Roger Olofsson Bagge takes on Florida

Roger Olofsson Bagge is well-known for his work in cancer surgery at the Institute of Clinical Sciences in Gothenburg. Now, he is expanding his network and research as the first visiting professor in a new program at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.

“It was a great honor to be invited. Moffitt is a world leader in locoregional cancer treatment, and this is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen collaboration between our institutions,” he says.

Locoregional cancer treatment involves isolating the affected body part or organ from the bloodstream and administering high doses of chemotherapy. At Sahlgrenska University Hospital, advanced treatments of this kind are offered to patients from around the world, and Sahlgrenska Academy conducts extensive research in the field.

Deepening the collaboration

The visiting professorship has grown out of a long-standing collaboration with Professor Jonathan Zager and will enable several joint research projects. According to Olofsson Bagge, networks and international connections are crucial for successful research.

“We have already outlined several new projects that align with the U.S. government’s cooperation agreement under Cancer Moonshot. We hope to send younger colleagues here, and a researcher from Moffitt is interested in coming to us to see how we work.”

High pace and a different work structure

Moffitt is affiliated with the University of South Florida and has a well-developed infrastructure where clinical work and research are closely intertwined.

“The pace is faster, and surgeons often operate in parallel operating rooms. Here, there is a larger network of physician assistants who handle much of the practical and administrative work. This allows a physician to see 60 patients a day without difficulty. At the same time, many of these patients are included in clinical trials,” says Roger Olofsson Bagge.

He also describes an efficient infrastructure where blood and tumor tissue are automatically stored in biobanks, the research unit is located just above the clinic, and specialized secretaries update records after each patient visit.

One difference compared to Sweden is the amount of administrative work. Just getting access to the hospital was a long process. 

“The first day was mostly about security briefings, vaccination certificates, and various permits. The bureaucracy was more extensive than I am used to.”

A lecture with a three-course dinner

The Swedish visiting professor’s inaugural lecture was a unique experience.

“Honestly, I was quite nervous. But the setting was also a bit unusual. In true American style, they booked a restaurant with a three-course dinner. I gave my lecture while people were eating. My one-hour presentation turned into three hours because of constant interruptions with questions and comments. Everyone was extremely knowledgeable and eager to delve into details and hear my thoughts on various issues. It was incredibly stimulating, and I received a lot of positive feedback the next day.”

Neither does the winter weather in Tampa have much in common with that in Gothenburg.

“Coming here from a dark and somewhat gloomy Sweden in early February to a sunny and warm Florida is certainly something one can’t underestimate. The irony, of course, is that I work with melanoma, where trips like this have contributed to the increase in incidence we’ve seen in Sweden since the 1970s. So, I try to stay in the shade and use sunscreen.”

Super Bowl party with freshly grilled pizza

The social aspect of his stay has also been a positive experience for Roger Olofsson Bagge.

“I was invited to a Super Bowl party with sliders, beer, and freshly grilled pizza. It was a great evening and a good way to gain insight into American culture.”

He will soon be heading back home but will return to Tampa several times throughout the year. The visiting professorship runs until the end of the year and is more of an honorary appointment than a formal position with specific requirements.

“The planning is quite flexible. I step in where needed and try to contribute with energy and new perspectives on research and clinical work. My role is to strengthen collaboration and develop research on locoregional cancer treatment, especially regarding perfusion treatments for extremities and the liver. We aim to initiate joint studies and already have two in the early drafting phase. We also want to better understand the immunological effects of the treatment to further improve its effectiveness.”

Visiting professorship with lasting impact

At the same time as his engagement in Florida, Roger Olofsson Bagge continues his work in Sweden. It requires some balancing.

“They say that if you want something done, ask someone who is already busy, and there’s probably some truth to that. We are a hardworking clinic back home, and I have fantastic colleagues covering for me. I hope I can break some new ground, not just for myself but for all my colleagues.”

The goal is for the exchange between Gothenburg and Tampa to have lasting effects.

“This should not just be a one-year honorary title with a lecture and a nice diploma. I want it to yield long-term results, where ideas and expertise can continue to flow between Sweden and the U.S.”

Text: Jakob Lundberg