Light meets precision with a click
Illuminating the Path Forward: How EU Research is Shaping the Future of Cancer Treatment
Cancer is the leading cause of death for young-middle aged adults across the EU with one in four deaths due to cancer. Behind every statistic is a person whose world has changed. Not just in health, but in identity, relationships, career, and view of life itself. For many, the experience does not end when treatment does.
But here is something powerful: over 40% of cancer cases can be prevented.
This week during the European Week Against Cancer (25-31 May), we are shining a light on what happens when prevention is not possible and how research is opening the door to what comes next.
When light meets precision
At SCALPEL, we are working to transform cancer treatment from the inside out. Our focus is on a pioneering, highly targeted approach using light-activated click chemistry to “tag” cancer cells so they can be recognised and destroyed by the immune system.
This innovative method helps train the immune system to detect cancer not just once, but long into the future aiming to prevent recurrence and promote long-term protection. The treatment we are developing is designed to be non-invasive, selective and immunologically intelligent – harnessing light and chemistry to do what current methods cannot.
It is an experimental approach, but one with enormous promise to change how cancer is treated in the years ahead.
Science with a spark
During EWAC, SCALPEL proudly joins the Association of European Cancer Leagues and a community of scientists, health advocates, civil society groups and policymakers across Europe in celebrating the people behind the progress: the scientists, technicians, data experts, project managers, communication teams and collaborators who move the work forward every day.
As Dr Theodossis Theodossiou, SCALPEL Project Coordinator from Oslo Universitetssykehus HF, shares:
“During this week, we recognise that research is powered by people and by purpose. Progress in cancer treatment comes from collaboration, curiosity, vision and compassion. We honour not only the breakthroughs, but the locomotive forces behind them.”
A future powered by research
At SCALPEL our science is experimental but our mission is human. Every step we take is grounded in the belief that people living with cancer deserve options that are smarter, kinder and more effective.
This EWAC, join us in celebrating the roles of research and the promise it holds for those living with the illness, survivors and healthcare systems across Europe. Because behind every extended life and every case of remission, there is science – and behind the science, a spark.
