Oslo university hospital secures €4.9 million EU grant to transform supportive cancer care for older patients

The project, ENACT-65 (Enabling Action on Integrated Nutritional and Exercise Care in Cancer), will develop and test new models of nutrition and exercise support, integrated directly into routine cancer treatment.

The international consortium, led by OUS, brings together leading cancer centres across Europe to address one of the most overlooked challenges in oncology: ensuring patients receive systematic support for nutrition, physical function, and symptom management during cancer treatment.

“This award highlights the strength of the international research environment at Oslo University Hospital and our ambition to develop the next generation of cancer care. By combining cutting-edge oncology with supportive care and rehabilitation, we aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients,” says Jon Riise, Head of the Department of Oncology at Oslo University Hospital.

Improving Survival and Quality of Life for Older Cancer Patients

More than 65% of cancer diagnoses occur in people over the age of 65, yet many patients do not receive structured support for nutrition and physical activity during treatment, factors known to strongly influence treatment tolerance, quality of life, and survival.

ENACT-65 aims to address this gap through a digitally supported care pathway called MyPath, enabling systematic monitoring of patients’ symptoms, nutritional status, and physical function throughout cancer treatment. The project will focus particularly on patients with lung cancer and colorectal cancer, two of the most common cancers in older adults.

“We know from many studies that nutrition and exercise significantly improve outcomes for people with cancer. The challenge is translating this evidence into everyday clinical practice, and too many patients still do not receive the support they need. Through ENACT-65 we aim to change that and help people with cancer live both better and longer,” says Barry Laird, Project Lead, Senior Consultant and Professor of Palliative Medicine at Oslo University Hospital and the University of Oslo.

A Major International Cancer Research Collaboration

The ENACT-65 consortium, coordinated by Oslo University Hospital, includes several leading international cancer centres:

• Gustave Roussy (France)
• UMC Utrecht (Netherlands)
• Netherlands Cancer Institute (Netherlands)
• Freiburg University Hospital (Germany)
• Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute (Spain)

The project also includes additional clinical partners across participating countries, ensuring participation across diverse healthcare settings.

Oslo University Hospital Leading European Research in Supportive Cancer Care

The European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC) at Oslo University Hospital is now coordinating three major EU-funded research projects aligned with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

“This new funding allows us to continue building internationally leading research in patient-centred cancer care. Our goal is to integrate supportive care such as nutrition, symptom management and rehabilitation directly into modern oncology practice so that patients receive truly comprehensive cancer treatment,” says Stein Kaasa, Head of the European Palliative Care Research Centre at Oslo University Hospital.

“Modern cancer care must focus not only on treating the tumour but also on supporting the whole patient. This award aligns directly with Oslo University Hospital’s ambition to lead the development of comprehensive, patient-centred cancer care in Europe,” adds Sigbjørn Smeland, Director of the Division of Cancer Medicine at Oslo University Hospital.

For more information, contact

Barry Laird: b.j.a.laird@medisin.uio.no.