Promoting large multinational academic clinical trials for gastrointestinal cancers in Europe: the ENGIC (European...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Clinical Research
• Health Policy

Background:

• Gastrointestinal cancers represent a significant health burden in Europe.
• There is a need for enhanced strategic collaboration in academic clinical trials for these cancers.
• Existing research networks may lack specific focus on gastrointestinal malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose the establishment of a European Network for Gastro-Intestinal Cancers (ENGIC).
• To outline the structure, objectives, and operational framework for ENGIC.
• To present ENGIC as a potential model for other disease-specific research networks.

Main Methods:

• The paper outlines a proposed organizational structure for ENGIC.
• Key components discussed include network objectives, governance, and operational activities.
• Future priority actions are identified to guide the network's development.

Main Results:

• A detailed proposal for the setup of the ENGIC initiative is presented.
• The proposed structure encompasses presentation, objectives, organization, processes, activities, and governance.
• Priority actions for future development are delineated.

Conclusions:

• The establishment of ENGIC is proposed to foster strategic academic clinical trials for gastrointestinal cancers in Europe.
• The proposed network structure and operational model are detailed.
• The ENGIC framework is suggested as a transferable model for other disease areas.