KI-coordinated EU network establishes cancer partnerships

EurocanPlatform, an EU-funded network coordinated by Karolinska Institutet, held its last meeting in Brussels in November. The outcome was new collaborative ventures between cancer centres in Europe designed to transfer scientific discoveries from lab to clinic.

Five years ago, 28 leading European cancer research institutions and cancer organisations came together in an EU-funded venture called the EurocanPlatform project in order to advance both research into and the treatment of the disease by coordinating European cancer research, sharing infrastructure and participating in joint projects.

EurocanPlatform coordinator, Professor Ulrik Ringborg at Karolinska Institutet, says that the partnership has been a vital one:

“EurocanPlatform has created a multidisciplinary environment to structure collaborations between basic pre-clinical and clinical cancer centres for translational research focusing on individualised cancer care. We’re delighted that EurocanPlatform has managed to deliver important, viable results that will enhance Europe’s ability to revitalise cancer research.”

The EurocanPlatform project, which is now coming to a close, has produced several important results that can ultimately affect the survival of cancer patients. One such is Cancer Core Europe, a consortium of six leading cancer research centres, including Karolinska Institutet, that has been formed to create a virtual “E-hospital” combining European resources and expertise able to translate pre-clinical discoveries into improved cancer care.

Another joint project is Cancer Prevention Europe, which focuses on the early discovery of cancer and prophylactic measures.