Towards a cancer mission in Horizon Europe: recommendations

Anton Berns, Ulrik Ringborg, Julio E Celis, Manuel Heitor, Neil K Aaronson, Nancy Abou-Zeid, Hans-Olov Adami, Kathi Apostolidis, Michael Baumann, Alberto Bardelli, René Bernards, Yvonne Brandberg, Carlos Caldas, Fabien Calvo, Caroline Dive, Angelika Eggert, Alexander Eggermont, Carolina Espina, Frederik Falkenburg, Jérôme FoucaudDouglas Hanahan, Ulrike Helbig, Bengt Jönsson, Mette Kalager, Sakari Karjalainen, Miklós Kásler, Pamela Kearns, Klas Kärre, Denis Lacombe, Francesco de Lorenzo, Françoise Meunier, Gerd Nettekoven, Simon Oberst, Péter Nagy, Thierry Philip, Richard Price, Joachim Schüz, Eric Solary, Peter Strang, Josep Tabernero, Emile Voest

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)
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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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1589-1615
Number of pages27
JournalMolecular Oncology
Volume14
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Aug 2020

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
We want to thank Christina von Gertten, coordinator of the EACS, for expert assistance during the preparation of the manuscript. We also like to thank the three EACS Committees that contributed with expert advice: Outcomes Research (Mette Kalager, chair, Hans-Olov Adami, Karen Steindorf, Paul Dickman, Pernilla Lagergren), Survivorship Research (Francoise Meunier, chair, Francesco de Lorenzo, Pernilla Lagergren, Mark Lawler, Francesco Saverio Mennini, Sarunas Narbutas) and Health Economics (Bengt J?nsson, chair; Michael Schlander, Wim H van Harten, Richard Sullivan, Nils Wilking). Their final reports will be submitted shortly for publication. We are also indebted to Claudio Lombardo for helpful suggestions, and Maria Papatriantafyllou for expert advice during the preparation of the manuscript. The financial support from the Foundation ARC, Paris, and the German Cancer Aid, Bonn, is also much appreciated.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Authors. Published by FEBS Press and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Copyright:
Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • European healthcare systems
  • cancer mission
  • cancer research/care/prevention continuum
  • comprehensive cancer centres
  • patient empowerment
  • science policy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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