50 years of life-changing therapies

On November 12 1975, the first allogeneic stem cell transplantation in Sweden was performed at Huddinge Hospital, here in Flemingsberg. From nuclear catastrophe the foundations of bone marrow transplantation had emerged, and with it, the birth of modern stem cell therapy — the same principles that today underpin cell and gene therapies and CAR-T treatments.

In honor of that a scientific symposium was held in Birkeaulan at Karolinska University Hospital. Led by Professors Stephan Mielke and Mattias Carlsten, leading experts from Sweden and abroad gathered to highlight how innovation in cell and gene therapy can be translated from research to patients. Through lectures and panel discussions, both CAST’s mission and development, as well as global perspectives on advanced treatments, where showcased. The program also provided insight into ongoing research and future possibilities.

The symposium and celebration not only highlighted ongoing research and future opportunities, but also showed how CAST’s five decades of innovation have contributed to shaping today’s advanced treatments and a unique research environment here in Flemingsberg. A reflection of the enormous expertise, courage, and forward-looking spirit among the dedicated staff who work every day to change the lives of thousands of patients. Or as Christophe Pedroletti, CEO of Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset expressed it so well:

“A long carried and clear vision – to one day cure and relieve what no one else can cure or relieve today. These are big words, but here at CAST, they are not abstract. They take shape in everyday work, in the corridors, in the treatment rooms, in the research labs, and in conversations with families. And we never do this alone – Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet are two parts of the same whole. A partnership where care, research and education move in step. Without that close collaboration we would not be standing here today, celebrating half a century of progress.”