Surgical Care Science – Pernilla Lagergren's research group

The research group focuses on patient-reported outcomes, that is, research on patients using self-report questionnaires. Using patient-reported outcome measures of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), psychosocial aspects, nutritional problems and symptoms are some of the aspects explored in patients with cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract with a focus on oesophageal cancer patients in particular. The overall aim of the research is to identify modifiable risk factors or predictors for poor recovery after treatment in order to individualise supportive actions for improved quality of life among patients and their families.

Research for patients - Surgical Care Science

Address:

Surgical Care Science
Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery
Blombäcks väg 23, level 4
SE-171 77 Stockholm

Visiting address: Blombäcks väg 23, level 4, KI Campus Solna

Job Vacancies

We currently have no vacancies

Collaborations

• Patient collaborations
• Research collaborations

History and future goals

The research group leader Pernilla Lagergren defended her thesis in 2006. Since 2011 she is a tenured professor of Surgical Care Sciences. The group consists of PhD students, junior and senior researcher, biostatistician, research nurses, project coordinator and executive assistant. Since 2006, 11 PhD students have defendet their theses. 

The group focuses on health-related quality of life, symptoms, weight development and psychological aspects in patients with diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, with a particular focus on cancer of the oesophagus. To study all these aspects, the group uses patient-reported outcome measures which means that it is the patient who responds to questionnaires based on how he or she feels. Identification of factors associated with health-related quality of life impairments, risk of symptoms, weight loss, psychological reactions and recovery following disease and treatment is a priority. There is a need to further develop the use and processing of patient-reported outcomes, and the group has intensified their focus on methodological research in this area. In addition, research is conducted on how different factors (e.g. morbidity, weight, physical activity, reflux and sleep) affect the well-being of the general population.

The overarching aims of the research activities within the group are to

1. Identify ways to improve the and emotional well-being in patients with diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
2. Demonstrate ways to a better life after surgery for oesophageal cancer by a deeper understanding of experiences of these patients and their families.
3. Gain a deeper understanding of, and to further develop, the methodology of patient-reported outcome research.

To achieve these goals, are range of methodologies are employed to test the hypotheses, including epidemiological and observational clinical studies. Prospective and nationwide data collections are ongoing and planned.

Courses

Study design in clinical research

For more information regarding the course please contact course administrator Kalle Mälberg.

Welcome back Cecilia

We are delighted to welcome back Cecilia Haddad Ringborg, who completed her PhD in 2022 and has since carried out a postdoctoral fellowship in another research group. In her work with us, she focuses primarily on family members of patients treated for oesophageal or gastric cancer - an area in which she also completed her doctoral research. Cecilia is a highly valuable addition to our team, and her research, with its focus on family caregivers, addresses an important and much-needed area of study.