Pediatric oncology research with a special focus on side effects
By increasing our understanding of the clinical, biological, and psychosocial aspects of childhood neurological diseases and childhood cancer, the research group Pediatric oncological and neurological research works to improve the quality of life for children and adolescents with these diseases and their families.
The research performed within our research group spans from experimental studies using molecular biological techniques to behavioral research aiming to help children and their families better cope with demanding treatments. We collaborate nationally and internationally, both leading and participating in different research projects. We work especially tightly together with research group Pediatric oncological and neurological research with whom we have several collaborative projects. Read more about our main fields of research and projects and our research group.
Special resources at UU
Protein beam therapy
The Skandion Clinic in Uppsala started in 2015 and is a national, and even Nordic, resource and entails a significant expansion of the therapeutic arsenal for children with cancer. Protein beam therapy enables the irradiation field to be precisely controlled, thereby limiting damage to nearby healthy tissues. The establishment of Skandion Clinic provides increased possibilities for radiation therapy for younger patients, where treatment is otherwise restrictive due to the risks for serious late complications, particularly in the brain.
Biobanks
There are two biobanks connected to Uppsala with a particular focus on childhood cancer and neuropediatrics: The Nordic biobank for childhood leukemia (Frost main responsible, Palle et al.) and the Swedish childhood tumour biobank (Ljungman clinical leader and chairman of the board). Learn more about both biobanks on the Swedish Childhood Cancer Fund's website (in Swedish only).
Research funders
We would like to warmly thank our funders, collaborators, and all patients and their parents who enable our research work, including for example the Swedish Childhood Cancer Fund, Gillbergska Stiftelsen, Lions Cancerforskningsfond Mellansverige Uppsala-Örebro, Mary Bevés Stiftelse, and Region Uppsala.
Brainsave Symposium
Welcome to the Brainsave Symposium, May 22 in Uppsala with focus on Rehabilitation
- Date: May 22 2023
- Time: 8:30-16:30
- Place: Uppsala, Uppsala University Hospital, entrence 100-101 level 2, H:son Holmdahlsalen
Contact person: geraldine.giraud@akademiska.se
Final programme: focus on Rehabilitation
|
08.30-09.00 |
Welcome |
| 09.00-09.05 |
Introduction |
|
09.05-10.20 |
How to focus on the right aspects of rehabilitation after brain tumor treatment? "Participation in everyday life post braintumor treatment – The future follow-up core in health care?" Key note Lecture |
|
10.20-11:30 |
Performance and the importance of school "Effective School Reintegration for Children with Brain Tumors" ”Academic outcome in Swedish children treated for brain tumors” |
|
11:30- 12:30 |
Lunch |
|
12:30-13:30 |
The importance of physical activity "Swedish children treated for cancer and their school performance in physical education" "Motor performance after treatment of pilocytic astrocytoma "Physical Activity for pediatric brain tumor survivors" |
|
13:30 – 13:40 |
Paus |
|
13.40-14:45 |
The importance of perception “Visual consequences of brain diseases and treatment options for improved visual functions” ”The eye- a window to neurocognition and rehabilitation” |
| 14.45-15.15 |
Paus |
| 15.15-16.15 |
Panel discussion with coffee |
|
16.15-16.30 |
Concluding remarks and future perspective for the BrainSave Symposium |
| 19:30-21:30 |
The importance of music Concert at the Bror Hjorth House. Nykelharpa and song Experience from the USA Limited places, first come first served ! |
UPDATES FROM OUR RESEARCH GROUP
August 11, 2023
PhD student Helena Söderström with supervisor Gustaf Ljungman publish a new scientific article in the journal, Radiation Oncology, about the neurocognitive impact of radiation dose to different brain structures after radiotherapy in children with brain tumors. Read the article by clicking on the link here.
May 23, 2023
Congratulations to Natalja Jackmann, MD, PhD, who defended her PhD today! Read Natalja's PhD project, Vitamin D, bone turnover markers and hCAP-18 in children with hemato-oncological diseases, by clicking here. Congratulations also to Natalja's main supervisor, Per Frisk. Well done, Natalja and Per!
April 19, 2023
Congratulations to Tove Kamsvåg Magnusson, PhD, som disputerade idag! Read about Tove's PhD project, Pain in pediatric oncology – explorative and interventional studies focusing on oral mucositis, by clicking here. Well done, Tove!
October 27, 2022
Huge congratulations to professor and research group leader Gustaf Ljungman, who is also clinical leader at the Swedish Childhood Tumor Biobank and together with his colleages within the project, Genomic Medicine Sweden Barncancer, has won the Gullpillret 2022 prize! Read more about the project and the prize by clicking here (Swedish only).
September 9, 2022
PhD student Helena Söderström with supervisor Gustaf Ljungman publish a new scientific article in the journal, Pediatric Neurology, about neurocognitive function before and after radiotherapy in children with brain tumors. Read the article by clicking on the link here.
August 22, 2022
PhD student Caterina Cederved was interviewed on Swedish Radio P4 Uppland about the development of a computer program to help children with cancer who will undergo radiation therapy. Listen to the interview by clicking on the link here (only in Swedish).
October 22, 2021
Gustaf Ljungman was awarded a grant in medical technology from the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation, for using an air-cooling device for the prevention of a painful drug side effect, mouth sores (mucositis).
October 19, 2021
Doctoral student Christopher Blacker registered in the project: Evaluation of an air-cooling device to reduce oral mucositis.
June 6, 2021
Doctoral student Paula Hansson admitted in the project: Pharmacogenomics in chemotherapy-induced toxicity in children with a focus on marrow toxicity.
October 14, 2020
Research group leader Gustaf Ljungman has contributed to a new international report about children's pain in The Lancet, read more about the report, Delivering transformative action in paediatric pain.