Molecular Oncology (Aug 2020)

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 Foucaud,
  • Douglas Hanahan,
  • Ulrike Helbig,
  • Bengt Jönsson,
  • Mette Kalager,
  • Sakari Karjalainen,
  • Miklós Kásler,
  • Pamela Kearns,
  • Klas Kärre,
  • Denis Lacombe,
  • Francesco deLorenzo,
  • Françoise Meunier,
  • Gerd Nettekoven,
  • Simon Oberst,
  • Péter Nagy,
  • Thierry Philip,
  • Richard Price,
  • Joachim Schüz,
  • Eric Solary,
  • Peter Strang,
  • Josep Tabernero,
  • Emile Voest

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/1878-0261.12763
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 8
pp. 1589 – 1615

Abstract

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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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