Second Norwegian Cancer Symposium 2009

Dear distinguished guests, 

I feel honoured and privileged to have the opportunity of both to welcome you and to open this symposium on cancer stem cell research in Oslo.
 
At this moment, the full promise of stem cell research has not been revealed. However, many cancer survivors are already familiar with the promising applications of adult stem cell research. Patients with leukemia often undergo types of stem cell transplant in the bone marrow. This type of therapy is life saving and has been successfully used for many years.

Because of the potential to give patients a better and lifesaving treatment, the Government desired to open new avenues of research into stem cells. In January 2008, the Norwegian parliament passed a legislation that allowed research on embryonic stem cells from excess in vitro fertilised eggs.
 
The choice to allow research into embryonic stem cells was a difficult and delicate balancing act which fostered much debate. We understood the concerns voiced by the opponents of the proposal.
 
However – our National assembly passed the act, because this line of research offers a great potential. With proper guidelines and strict oversight, we believe that advantages will outweigh the disadvantages, also for cancer patients.
 
We have prioritised funding into stem cell research since 2002. To support further research in this field, we have steadily increased funding for such research. In 2008 we also decided to establish a separate research programme on stem cells under The Research Council of Norway.
 
Last week I had the great honour of opening the new stem cell research centre in Oslo. The new centre – in addition to the research programme – show Norway’s new commitment to stem cell research. The Cancer stem cell innovation centre, also located in Oslo, shows the link between research and innovation, which will ultimately benefit the patient.
 
A scientific basis needs to be established for identifying the causes of cancer and for specifying effective strategies for the prevention, treatment and control of this disease. Thus the need for high-quality research on all aspects of cancer, is critical. This symposium has a role to play in this process, especially in identifying potential new areas of therapy.
 
The importance of symposia like this lies of course in the presentations, but also in the opportunity to meet, to discuss, and to exchange ideas – in order to make further improvements and networks, and to cultivate the great scientific conversation.
 
With the constant push and competition for further discovery and better treatments, you scientists, are comparable to top athletes – even though there is no real finishing line in science. That push for further discovery is always with us. We might not see the fruit of your labours for years to come. Nevertheless I believe the public and patients will reap the reward for the investment we have made in science in the long run.
 
I wish you a fruitful meeting and I hope that those of you visiting this conference, will enjoy your stay in Norway. I now declare this symposium officially opened.