Karolinska Institutet, together with KTH, Stockholm University, and Region Stockholm, is undertaking a strategically important initiative in radiation therapy. Thanks to a donation of SEK 15 million from business leader Björn Savén, the establishment of a new center for medical radiation science is being strengthened. In addition, the donation will fund a project focused on precision radiation therapy.
Between 50 and 60 per cent of all cancer patients receive some form of radiation therapy during the course of their illness. Radiation therapy relies on advanced technology and expertise from fields such as physics, biomedicine, engineering, data analysis, and clinical oncology.
To bring together world-leading expertise in these fields, Karolinska Institutet, KTH, Stockholm University, and Region Stockholm are collaborating. This will provide Sweden’s cancer patients with expanded capacity and modernised radiation therapy.
“This initiative is crucial for our ability to offer more personalised and effective treatment to patients with hard-to-treat cancer,” says KI President Annika Östman Wernerson . “For many, this means a better chance at improved health and fewer side effects.”
Radiation therapy is a central part of cancer care and can be combined with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. With the help of advanced tumor imaging, there is great potential to further improve treatment.
The next step in advanced radiation therapy
The donation from Björn Savén is one of many donations the family has made to KI over the years, and it will enable, among other things, the development of AI-based tools for planning and evaluating radiation therapy.
“Cancer affects a great many people, directly or indirectly. When we have the opportunity to support research and development that can improve care for thousands of patients, I see it as an important investment, both for the individual and for society,” says Björn Savén, industrialist and investor. “Radiation therapy is already a cornerstone of cancer treatment and has great potential to become even better.”
Despite the generous donation of SEK 15 million, additional resources are needed to fully meet the growing need for advanced radiation therapy and research.
“The donation from the Savén family provides a significant boost, but to reach a wider audience and continue developing new methods, continued support from both public and private stakeholders is required,” concludes Annika Östman Wernerson.
About Björn Savén
Born: 1950
Education: Master of Business Administration, Stockholm School of Economics; MBA, Harvard University
Background: Founder of IK Partners, formerly Industri Kapital. Currently serves, among other roles, as a board member of the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation and on the Industrial Council for ESS (European Spallation Source) in Lund
Philanthropy: Involvement in research and academic education in both Sweden and the United Kingdom.
About the Center for Medical Radiation Science
- Karolinska Institutet, KTH, Stockholm University, and Region Stockholm are jointly establishing a new Center for Medical Radiation Science in Stockholm.
- The goal is to develop the cancer treatments of the future by bringing together research, healthcare, and technological development in a joint initiative.
- Radiation therapy is used in approximately 60 per cent of all solid tumors and is one of the most important forms of cancer treatment.
- The center focuses on precision radiation therapy, tumor imaging, cancer-related biomarkers, AI-based data analysis, and radiation protection.
- The goal is to provide more personalized treatment with greater precision and better protection of healthy tissue.
- A research infrastructure with two bunkers for advanced radiation therapy equipment is being built at KI Campus Solna, scheduled for completion in 2027.
- The center will strengthen education, research, and the future supply of expertise in medical radiation science.
- The ambition is to strengthen Sweden’s and the Stockholm region’s position as an internationally leading hub for precision radiation therapy and cancer research.
Join us in contributing to the future of cancer treatment
The new center is being built as a long-term environment for research, education, and clinical development. Here, there is a concrete opportunity to make a difference. By supporting the center, you contribute to:
- New treatment methods
- Better translation of research into clinical care
- Training of experts
- Enhanced international competitiveness
Would you like to learn more about how your organization can contribute?
