1
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Ringborg U, von Braun J, Celis J, Baumann M, Berns A, Eggermont A, Heard E, Heitor M, Chandy M, Chen C, Costa A, De Lorenzo F, De Robertis EM, Dubee FC, Ernberg I, Gabriel M, Helland Å, Henrique R, Jönsson B, Kallioniemi O, Korbel J, Krause M, Lowy DR, Michielin O, Nagy P, Oberst S, Paglia V, Parker MI, Ryan K, Sawyers CL, Schüz J, Silkaitis K, Solary E, Thomas D, Turkson P, Weiderpass E, Yang H. Strategies to decrease inequalities in cancer therapeutics, care and prevention: Proceedings on a conference organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the European Academy of Cancer Sciences, Vatican City, February 23-24, 2023. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:245-279. [PMID: 38135904 PMCID: PMC10850793 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Analyses of inequalities related to prevention and cancer therapeutics/care show disparities between countries with different economic standing, and within countries with high Gross Domestic Product. The development of basic technological and biological research provides clinical and prevention opportunities that make their implementation into healthcare systems more complex, mainly due to the growth of Personalized/Precision Cancer Medicine (PCM). Initiatives like the USA-Cancer Moonshot and the EU-Mission on Cancer and Europe's Beating Cancer Plan are initiated to boost cancer prevention and therapeutics/care innovation and to mitigate present inequalities. The conference organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in collaboration with the European Academy of Cancer Sciences discussed the inequality problem, dependent on the economic status of a country, the increasing demands for infrastructure supportive of innovative research and its implementation in healthcare and prevention programs. Establishing translational research defined as a coherent cancer research continuum is still a challenge. Research has to cover the entire continuum from basic to outcomes research for clinical and prevention modalities. Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) are of critical importance for integrating research innovations to preclinical and clinical research, as for ensuring state-of-the-art patient care within healthcare systems. International collaborative networks between CCCs are necessary to reach the critical mass of infrastructures and patients for PCM research, and for introducing prevention modalities and new treatments effectively. Outcomes and health economics research are required to assess the cost-effectiveness of new interventions, currently a missing element in the research portfolio. Data sharing and critical mass are essential for innovative research to develop PCM. Despite advances in cancer research, cancer incidence and prevalence is growing. Making cancer research infrastructures accessible for all patients, considering the increasing inequalities, requires science policy actions incentivizing research aimed at prevention and cancer therapeutics/care with an increased focus on patients' needs and cost-effective healthcare.
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2
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Lawler M, Davies L, Oberst S, Oliver K, Eggermont A, Schmutz A, La Vecchia C, Allemani C, Lievens Y, Naredi P, Cufer T, Aggarwal A, Aapro M, Apostolidis K, Baird AM, Cardoso F, Charalambous A, Coleman MP, Costa A, Crul M, Dégi CL, Di Nicolantonio F, Erdem S, Geanta M, Geissler J, Jassem J, Jagielska B, Jonsson B, Kelly D, Kelm O, Kolarova T, Kutluk T, Lewison G, Meunier F, Pelouchova J, Philip T, Price R, Rau B, Rubio IT, Selby P, Južnič Sotlar M, Spurrier-Bernard G, van Hoeve JC, Vrdoljak E, Westerhuis W, Wojciechowska U, Sullivan R. European Groundshot-addressing Europe's cancer research challenges: a Lancet Oncology Commission. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:e11-e56. [PMID: 36400101 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(22)00540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer research is a crucial pillar for countries to deliver more affordable, higher quality, and more equitable cancer care. Patients treated in research-active hospitals have better outcomes than patients who are not treated in these settings. However, cancer in Europe is at a crossroads. Cancer was already a leading cause of premature death before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disastrous effects of the pandemic on early diagnosis and treatment will probably set back cancer outcomes in Europe by almost a decade. Recognising the pivotal importance of research not just to mitigate the pandemic today, but to build better European cancer services and systems for patients tomorrow, the Lancet Oncology European Groundshot Commission on cancer research brings together a wide range of experts, together with detailed new data on cancer research activity across Europe during the past 12 years. We have deployed this knowledge to help inform Europe's Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission, and to set out an evidence-driven, patient-centred cancer research roadmap for Europe. The high-resolution cancer research data we have generated show current activities, captured through different metrics, including by region, disease burden, research domain, and effect on outcomes. We have also included granular data on research collaboration, gender of researchers, and research funding. The inclusion of granular data has facilitated the identification of areas that are perhaps overemphasised in current cancer research in Europe, while also highlighting domains that are underserved. Our detailed data emphasise the need for more information-driven and data-driven cancer research strategies and planning going forward. A particular focus must be on central and eastern Europe, because our findings emphasise the widening gap in cancer research activity, and capacity and outcomes, compared with the rest of Europe. Citizens and patients, no matter where they are, must benefit from advances in cancer research. This Commission also highlights that the narrow focus on discovery science and biopharmaceutical research in Europe needs to be widened to include such areas as prevention and early diagnosis; treatment modalities such as radiotherapy and surgery; and a larger concentration on developing a research and innovation strategy for the 20 million Europeans living beyond a cancer diagnosis. Our data highlight the important role of comprehensive cancer centres in driving the European cancer research agenda. Crucial to a functioning cancer research strategy and its translation into patient benefit is the need for a greater emphasis on health policy and systems research, including implementation science, so that the innovative technological outputs from cancer research have a clear pathway to delivery. This European cancer research Commission has identified 12 key recommendations within a call to action to reimagine cancer research and its implementation in Europe. We hope this call to action will help to achieve our ambitious 70:35 target: 70% average 10-year survival for all European cancer patients by 2035.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Lawler
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | - Lynne Davies
- International Cancer Research Partnership, International House, Cardiff, UK
| | - Simon Oberst
- Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kathy Oliver
- International Brain Tumour Alliance, Tadworth, UK; European Cancer Organisation Patient Advisory Committee, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexander Eggermont
- Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands; Princess Máxima Centrum, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anna Schmutz
- International Agency for Cancer Research, Lyon, France
| | - Carlo La Vecchia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Allemani
- Cancer Survival Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Yolande Lievens
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Naredi
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tanja Cufer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ajay Aggarwal
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Institute of Cancer Policy, King's College London, London, UK; Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Matti Aapro
- Genolier Cancer Center, Genolier, Switzerland
| | - Kathi Apostolidis
- Hellenic Cancer Federation, Athens, Greece; European Cancer Patient Coalition, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne-Marie Baird
- Lung Cancer Europe, Bern, Switzerland; Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fatima Cardoso
- Champalimaud Clinical Center/Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreas Charalambous
- European Cancer Organisation Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Nursing, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus; Department of Oncology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Michel P Coleman
- Cancer Survival Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Csaba L Dégi
- Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Federica Di Nicolantonio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Sema Erdem
- European Cancer Organisation Patient Advisory Committee, Europa Donna, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Marius Geanta
- Centre for Innovation in Medicine and Kol Medical Media, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Jan Geissler
- Patvocates and CML Advocates Network, Leukaemie-Online (LeukaNET), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Beata Jagielska
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Daniel Kelly
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Olaf Kelm
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | | | - Tezer Kutluk
- Faculty of Medicine & Cancer Institute, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Grant Lewison
- Institute of Cancer Policy, School of Cancer Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Thierry Philip
- Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, Brussels, Belgium; Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Richard Price
- European Cancer Organisation Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Beate Rau
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Peter Selby
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | | | - Jolanda C van Hoeve
- Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, Brussels, Belgium; Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Eduard Vrdoljak
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Center Split, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Willien Westerhuis
- Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, Brussels, Belgium; Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Richard Sullivan
- Institute of Cancer Policy, School of Cancer Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
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3
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Kehrloesser S, Oberst S, Westerhuis W, Wendler A, Wind A, Blaauwgeers H, Burrion JB, Nagy P, Saeter G, Gustafsson E, De Paoli P, Lovey J, Lombardo C, Philip T, de Valeriola D, Docter M, Boomsma F, Saghatchian M, Svoboda M, Philip I, Monetti F, Hummel H, McVie G, Otter R, van Harten W. Analysing the attributes of Comprehensive Cancer Centres and Cancer Centres across Europe to identify key hallmarks. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:1277-1288. [PMID: 33734563 PMCID: PMC8096787 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a persistent variation in cancer outcomes among and within European countries suggesting (among other causes) inequalities in access to or delivery of high‐quality cancer care. European policy (EU Cancer Mission and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan) is currently moving towards a mission‐oriented approach addressing these inequalities. In this study, we used the quantitative and qualitative data of the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes’ Accreditation and Designation Programme, relating to 40 large European cancer centres, to describe their current compliance with quality standards, to identify the hallmarks common to all centres and to show the distinctive features of Comprehensive Cancer Centres. All Comprehensive Cancer Centres and Cancer Centres accredited by the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes show good compliance with quality standards related to care, multidisciplinarity and patient centredness. However, Comprehensive Cancer Centres on average showed significantly better scores on indicators related to the volume, quality and integration of translational research, such as high‐impact publications, clinical trial activity (especially in phase I and phase IIa trials) and filing more patents as early indicators of innovation. However, irrespective of their size, centres show significant variability regarding effective governance when functioning as entities within larger hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Kehrloesser
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, UK
| | - Simon Oberst
- Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, Brussels, Belgium.,Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Willien Westerhuis
- the Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid Wendler
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, UK
| | - Anke Wind
- Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Harriët Blaauwgeers
- the Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Péter Nagy
- National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gunnar Saeter
- Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, Brussels, Belgium.,Division of Cancer Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva Gustafsson
- Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - József Lovey
- Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, Brussels, Belgium.,National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Thierry Philip
- Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, Brussels, Belgium.,Institut Curie, Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Dominique de Valeriola
- Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, Brussels, Belgium.,Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Femke Boomsma
- Radiotherapeutisch Instituut Friesland, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Mahasti Saghatchian
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.,American Hospital of Paris, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
| | - Marek Svoboda
- Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Henk Hummel
- the Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Wim van Harten
- Organisation of European Cancer Institutes, Brussels, Belgium.,Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands.,The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Technology and Services Research, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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4
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Berns A, Ringborg U, Celis JE, Heitor M, Aaronson NK, Abou‐Zeid N, Adami H, Apostolidis K, Baumann M, Bardelli A, Bernards R, Brandberg Y, Caldas C, Calvo F, Dive C, Eggert A, Eggermont A, Espina C, Falkenburg F, Foucaud J, Hanahan D, Helbig U, Jönsson B, Kalager M, Karjalainen S, Kásler M, Kearns P, Kärre K, Lacombe D, de Lorenzo F, Meunier F, Nettekoven G, Oberst S, Nagy P, Philip T, Price R, Schüz J, Solary E, Strang P, Tabernero J, Voest E. Towards a cancer mission in Horizon Europe: recommendations. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:1589-1615. [PMID: 32749074 PMCID: PMC7400777 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive translational cancer research approach focused on personalized and precision medicine, and covering the entire cancer research-care-prevention continuum has the potential to achieve in 2030 a 10-year cancer-specific survival for 75% of patients diagnosed in European Union (EU) member states with a well-developed healthcare system. Concerted actions across this continuum that spans from basic and preclinical research through clinical and prevention research to outcomes research, along with the establishment of interconnected high-quality infrastructures for translational research, clinical and prevention trials and outcomes research, will ensure that science-driven and social innovations benefit patients and individuals at risk across the EU. European infrastructures involving comprehensive cancer centres (CCCs) and CCC-like entities will provide researchers with access to the required critical mass of patients, biological materials and technological resources and can bridge research with healthcare systems. Here, we prioritize research areas to ensure a balanced research portfolio and provide recommendations for achieving key targets. Meeting these targets will require harmonization of EU and national priorities and policies, improved research coordination at the national, regional and EU level and increasingly efficient and flexible funding mechanisms. Long-term support by the EU and commitment of Member States to specialized schemes are also needed for the establishment and sustainability of trans-border infrastructures and networks. In addition to effectively engaging policymakers, all relevant stakeholders within the entire continuum should consensually inform policy through evidence-based advice.
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5
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Ringborg U. Translational cancer research - a coherent cancer research continuum. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:517-520. [PMID: 30657250 PMCID: PMC6396568 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The main components of the cancer research continuum are basic/preclinical research, early and late clinical research and, after the adoption of an innovation by the healthcare or health organisations, outcomes research. Translational cancer research, defined as a coherent cancer research continuum, is mandatory to address the increasing burden of cancer effectively. The growing cancer problem can only be significantly modified by concerted action involving prevention to decrease incidence, early detection and treatment to increase the cure rate, and personalised/precision cancer medicine to adapt early detection and treatment to the biology of a tumour with the aim of increasing the cure rate, prolonging survival and improving health-related quality of life. By definition, translational cancer research for therapeutics has a focus on patients' needs and for prevention for individuals at-risk. Consequently, to increase the effectiveness of translational research, the different components of the cancer research continuum need to be better connected to the fundamental aim of a mission-oriented approach to cancer (Celis and Pavalkis, ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrik Ringborg
- Cancer Center KarolinskaKarolinska University Hospital SolnaStockholmSweden
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6
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Ernberg I. Education aimed at increasing international collaboration and decreasing inequalities. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:648-652. [PMID: 30677237 PMCID: PMC6396351 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Educational initiatives in cancer research have to align with the needs of patients, individuals at risk, healthcare systems and public health organisations. The above interests demand strong translational interactions between basic research, clinical/prevention research and entrepreneurship. The resulting synergy between these three entities is expected to stimulate identification of unresolved issues in cancer biology, as well as unmet needs in diagnostics, treatment and prevention. It will also encourage the development of international research collaborations and, in turn, improve access to innovative research infrastructures. Education and dissemination of knowledge and technologies must be a cornerstone of any future European mission-oriented approach to cancer, as it will ensure that new cancer treatments reach all patients within the European Union, and also help reduce gross inequalities in cancer incidence and mortality. A large number of educational institutions ranging from local universities to pan-European organisations have developed excellent educational activities. However, a cancer mission will highlight additional roles for higher education that will complement and provide novel approaches. Educational and training activities should target the general public (dissemination) for primary cancer prevention, as well as the next generation of cancer researchers in basic and clinical research all over Europe. The experiences of patients are also needed to improve health-related quality-of-life and outcomes research. A mission approach to cancer would enhance the exchange of researchers within Europe and worldwide, and prioritise collaborations between Western/Central and Eastern Europe countries. The Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) will be crucial to train scientific staff in established centres as well as in candidate centres aspiring to join networks of CCCs. In addition, CCCs will have an important role to play by offering educational programmes for the next generation of clinical/research leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingemar Ernberg
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor Biology and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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7
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A report from a conference jointly organised by the European Academy of Cancer Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, The Vatican, November 16-17, 2018. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:511-516. [PMID: 30811840 PMCID: PMC6396569 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a massive challenge with a significant impact on society, healthcare systems, the economy and an increasing number of patients and their families. To help meet this societal challenge, the European Commission has recently proposed a mission‐oriented approach to cancer in Horizon Europe, and about 60 participants met at the Vatican to discuss a mission‐oriented approach to cancer in Europe, as documented in this report. Painting: Rowe, Ernest Arthur. Courtyard of the Casina Pio IV (ca. 1911–1913).![]()
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8
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Eggermont AMM, Apolone G, Baumann M, Caldas C, Celis JE, de Lorenzo F, Ernberg I, Ringborg U, Rowell J, Tabernero J, Voest E, Calvo F. Cancer Core Europe: A translational research infrastructure for a European mission on cancer. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:521-527. [PMID: 30657633 PMCID: PMC6396377 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer Core Europe is a European legal alliance consisting of seven leading cancer centres – most of them Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) – with a single portal system to engage in various research projects with partners. Cancer Core Europe was established to create a sustainable, high‐level, shared research infrastructure platform hosting research collaborations and task forces (data sharing, clinical trials, genomics, immunotherapy, imaging, education and training, and legal and ethical issues), with a controlled expansion agenda. Translational cancer research covers the cancer research continuum from basic to preclinical to early clinical, late clinical, and outcomes research. Basic–preclinical research serves as the ‘engine’ for early clinical research by bridging the early translational research gap and is the primary and current focus of the consortium as exemplified by the launching of the Basket of Baskets trial, Europe's largest precision cancer medicine trial. Inspired by the creation of Cancer Core Europe, the prevention community established Cancer Prevention Europe, a consortium of ten cancer prevention centres aimed at supporting the complete prevention research continuum. Presently, Cancer Core Europe and Cancer Prevention Europe are integrating therapeutics and prevention strategies to address in partnership the widening cancer problem. By providing innovative approaches for cancer research, links to healthcare systems, development of quality‐assured multidisciplinary cancer care, and assessment of long‐term outcomes, the virtual infrastructure will serve as a hub to connect and interact with other centres across Europe and beyond. Together, Cancer Core Europe and Cancer Prevention Europe are prepared to function as a central engine to tackle, in collaboration with various partners, a potential ‘mission on cancer’ addressing the cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanni Apolone
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Carlos Caldas
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Julio E Celis
- Danish Cancer Society Research Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesco de Lorenzo
- European Cancer Patient Coalition, Brussels, Belgium.,Italian Federation of Cancer Patients Organisations, Rome, Italy
| | - Ingemar Ernberg
- Cancer Centre Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrik Ringborg
- Cancer Centre Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Rowell
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus Grand Paris, Villejuif, France Cancer Core Europe, France
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emile Voest
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Adami H, Berns A, Celis JE, de Vries E, Eggermont A, Harris A, zur Hausen H, Pelicci PG, Ringborg U. European Academy of Cancer Sciences - position paper. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:1829-1837. [PMID: 30241109 PMCID: PMC6210050 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The European Academy of Cancer Sciences (EACS) is an independent advisory body of well-recognised medical specialists and researchers striving to create a compelling interactive continuum of cancer research, from innovative basic research to implementation of state-of-the-art evidence-based cancer care and prevention. Achieving the above will entail bridging high-quality basic and preclinical cancer research to research on prevention, early detection and therapeutics as well as improving coordination of translational research efforts across Europe. The latter is expected to be expedited through quality assuring translational cancer research in Comprehensive Cancer Centres - entities that link research with the healthcare system - and networks of cancer research centres. Achieving a critical mass of expertise, resources and patients is crucial. Improving late translational research, which involves clinical studies to assess effectiveness, and added value for the health care is also a high priority. Both high-quality Big Data collections and the intelligent use of these data will promote innovation in cancer research and support outcomes research to assess clinical utility, quality of cancer care and long-term follow-up of treated patients. The EACS supports the mission-oriented approach recently proposed by the European Commission in Horizon Europe to deal with major challenges and would like to persuade the EU and its member states to formally launch a mission in cancer to boost and streamline the cancer research continuum in Europe. Building a coherent translational cancer research continuum with a focus on patients and individuals at risk will require, however, foresight as well as the extensive and continuous provision of evidence-based advice to inform policy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anton Berns
- Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Elisabeth de Vries
- University Medical Center Groningen – University of GroningenThe Netherlands
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