Bigger Research Projects 2024

Stiftelsen Assar Gabrielssons Fond annually awards, according to its regulations, "two grants for large projects, preferably one for preclinical cancer research and one for clinical cancer research".

This year, two projects of high quality will receive 600 000 SEK each: Ahmed Waraky's and Lisa Tuomi's, both researching at the University of Gothenburg.

Ahmed Waraky

Project title: Multiomics Analysis and Machine Learning for Early Detection of Relapse in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

In the current study, our objective is to develop innovative methods for monitoring measurable residual disease (MRD) in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). MRD refers to the small number of leukemia cells that remain after treatment and can predict disease relapse. We aim to explore the epigenetic profiles of these cells to identify specific markers for detecting MRD. Ultimately, we hope to improve relapse risk prediction, identify novel therapeutic targets, and enhance the stratification process for AML patients eligible for new therapeutic approaches.

Ahmed Waraky is a researcher at the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gothenburg University, and a biologist at the Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital. He obtained his Ph.D. from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden in molecular biology and completed his postdoctoral training at Cambridge University in the UK and at Gothenburg University through Barncancerfonden fellowship in epigenetics and computational biology within pediatric acute myeloid leukemia. He was awarded the 21towatch award for innovation by Cofinitive UK in 2024. Currently, his research focuses on the use of single-cell omics and machine learning in hematological malignancies.

Lisa Tuomi

Project title: A randomized study on the effect of preventive exercise for improved jaw opening and swallowing function in patients with head and neck cancer

This randomized intervention study, aims to evaluate the effect of structured preventive jaw- and swallowing exercise to prevent trismus and dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients up to 5 years post-oncologic treatment. The study will fill a knowledge gap where there is a lack of well-designed randomized studies with acceptable adherence to treatment, and evaluation of long-term effects. Further, cost-effectiveness will be established to improve the knowledge base in intervention for trismus and dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients.

Lisa Tuomi is a senior lecturer at the Department of Neuroscience and Physiology at the University of Gothenburg and a senior speech therapist at the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. She conducts research on functional aspects such as voice, gaping and swallowing difficulties in connection with treatment for head and neck cancer, currently focusing on the effect of preventive intervention. In addition, she conducts research that aims to map the prevalence of swallowing difficulties, as well as characterize how the difficulties manifest themselves, among people over 60 years of age.