US–Sweden Cancer Summit focuses on closer cooperation
Published
On 9 June, leading researchers, decision-makers, healthcare actors and patient organisations from Sweden and the US gathered in Stockholm for the US–Sweden Cancer Summit 2026: Metastasis – from mechanism to cure.
The conference, which was arranged by the National Board of Health and Welfare on behalf of the Government and in collaboration with the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), marks an important step in closer transatlantic cooperation on cancer care.
The event brought together around 100 participants, including representatives of NCI, New York University, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Cancer Society. Sweden was represented by actors from government agencies, academia, health and medical care, patient organisations and the business community participated.
A burgeoning strategic partnership
Cooperation between Sweden and the US on cancer has a long history, but was given a new formal framework in 2024 through a bilateral agreement with the aim of enhancing joint research, innovation and the development of cancer care. The first US-Sweden Cancer Summit was held in Washington in connection with the signing of the agreement. This year’s meeting in Stockholm was the next step in this work, and aims to transform ambitions into concrete initiatives.
“Sweden and the US are both at the forefront of cancer research and care. By working together, we can more quickly transform new knowledge into improved patient care,” State Secretary Michaela Hollis stressed in her opening remarks.
Focus on metastases – crucial for survival
This year’s theme, metastatic cancer, was chosen in light of its great importance for patient survival and prognosis. Metastasis research requires multidisciplinary approaches in which international knowledge exchange can accelerate development.
Ms Hollis opened the event together with Dr Satish Gopal, Director Center for Global Health at the NCI. She also presented the cancer strategy that the Government adopted in January this year, and reported on the Government’s cancer-related work during the current electoral period, which has focused particularly on the international perspective.
Basic research and clinical applications were highlighted during the day. Presentations from Karolinska Institutet and NYU Langone Health, among others, provided details of recent findings in metastasis research, while panel discussions focused on how research results can be implemented in healthcare.
A recurring message was the need for interdisciplinary approaches and international knowledge exchange. Combining expertise across disciplines in, for example, genomics, precision medicine and clinical treatment, can accelerate development.
New transatlantic alliance launched
An important part of the conference was the launch of the Transatlantic Metastasis Alliance, a strategic partnership between Karolinska Institutet and NYU Langone Health. The Alliance aims to strengthen research, education and clinical development in metastatic cancer.
The day ended with signing ceremony for the formal adoption of the Transatlantic Metastasis Alliance between Karolinska Institutet and NYU Langone Health.
The US–Sweden Cancer Summit 2026 reaffirmed the willingness of both Sweden and the US to jointly tackle one of the greatest health challenges of our time. Continued collaboration, knowledge exchange and joint initiatives create better conditions for developing the cancer care of the future.
