SAKK Awards 2023
Here are the highlights:
- Awards for promising studies: five prizes and two research grants with a total value of CHF 210,000 were awarded for promising studies in the field of clinical cancer research at the semi-annual meeting, which took place as part of the Swiss Congress of Oncology and Hematology (SOHC).
- Optimal framework conditions through partnerships: SAKK offers scientists ideal conditions for their study projects through collaboration with industry and research partners. This includes financial support and technical expertise to promote independent clinical cancer research.
- Contribution to the promotion of young scientists: The collaboration between SAKK and its partners makes a valuable contribution to the promotion of young scientists in oncology and hematology at the highest international level in Switzerland.
The award ceremony at SOHC 2023 in Basel included five awards and two research grants, supported by the pharmaceutical companies. The SAKK Awards honor researchers for outstanding achievements in various areas of cancer treatment.
Pioneering work with artificial intelligence: The "AbbVie Award for digital innovation in Oncology & Hematology" honored the research of Dr. med. Olaia Naveiras, Dr. Laurence de Leval, Dr. Sabine Blum and Dr. Rita Sarkis from EPFL. They are improving the use of stroma-associated biomarkers for blood cancer using the MarrowQuant and DeepMarrow algorithms.
Support for immunotherapy efficiency: The "Astellas GU-Oncology" Award recognized the research of Daniela Brina, MD, and her team at USI. They identified a specific communication pathway (secretome) of cancer cells that influences immunotherapy efficacy and developed strategies to inhibit it.
Funding for mitochondrial research: The "BMS HEM Pioneer" grant supports Dr. med. Tata Nageswara Rao from the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen in his research into mitochondria as biomarkers for leukemia. His work could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Innovative app-based training method: Gilead's "Expanding Horizons in Oncology" Award went to the project by Prof. Dr. med. Christian Fankhauser at Lucerne Cantonal Hospital. The "prEPAred" app promotes the education of uro-oncologists through interactive training.
If you would like to know more about Prof. Dr. med. Christian Fankhauser's project, please follow the link.
Research project on cancer therapy decision-making: The "Novartis Grant for innovative patient-centered projects in oncology and hematology" supports Dr. Berna Özdemir from Inselspital Bern in the investigation of decision-making processes in adjuvant cancer therapy.
Practical study on central venous access: The "Pfizer Prize for patient-oriented, practical clinical cancer research" was awarded to Dr. Max Rieger and his team from Zurich University Hospital for their study on central venous catheters.
GIST Prize for the development of resistance in tumors: The 13th GIST Prize was awarded to Johanna Falkenhorst, MD, for her research into the development of resistance in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Her findings could enable progress to be made in the treatment of these tumors.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Photos by ©photomedics