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Improving treatment results with reference centres for rare cancers: where do we stand?
Isabelle Ray-Coquard1, Eric Pujade Lauraine2, Axel Le Cesne3
1GINECO/TMRO Network, Centre Léon Bérard & Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France.
European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)
|April 7, 2017
Summary
Rare adult cancers (RACs) have lower survival rates due to diagnostic delays and limited clinical trial access. A new European network aims to improve treatments and care for RAC patients by pooling expertise across EU centers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Rare adult cancers (RACs) affect 4.3 million in the EU, representing 22% of new cancer cases.
- RACs exhibit poorer survival rates (5-year: 47%) compared to common cancers (65%).
- Key challenges include diagnostic delays, suboptimal treatments, and restricted clinical trial participation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the growing need for improved management of rare adult cancers.
- To summarize experiences and potential benefits of a European network for RACs.
- To outline the goals of an EU-wide network for accelerated innovative treatments and care for RAC patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing national/regional organizations for RAC management.
- Description of the European Union's initiative to establish a dedicated European network for RACs.
- Pooling expertise from 67 EU clinical reference centers across 18+ countries.
Main Results:
- The proposed network will cover ten rare adult solid cancer domains.
- It aims to integrate EU-wide capacity for advanced RAC treatments.
- Focus on accelerating innovative therapies and enhancing patient care and empowerment.
Conclusions:
- A coordinated European network is crucial for advancing rare adult cancer care.
- Pooling resources and expertise can overcome challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
- The initiative holds significant potential for improving outcomes and empowering RAC patients.