On the 19th of November 2014, ECPC launched, within the European Parliament, the document ”Immuno-Oncology: a Policy Action Framework” as well as a Guide for Patients on what is immuno-oncology.
For the past few months, ECPC has been honoured to co-chair the European Expert Group on Immuno-Oncology with Philippe de Backer, MEP. The Expert Group is an independent network consisting of patient organisations, cancer specialists, researchers and policymakers from across Europe who have been working together to help improve awareness and understanding of immuno-oncology amongst policymakers and to propose a framework for action for European and national policymakers to encourage rapid and appropriate access for patients to the most effective I-O therapies.
The event, hosted by MEP Philippe De Backer and MEP Christian Busoi, saw also the participation of MEP Peter Liese and more than 50 other participants representing the patients, physicians, researchers, industry and policy makers.
ECPC President Prof Francesco De Lorenzo moderated the debate among the high level panellists. He focused on the opportunity for long term survival that immuno-oncology therapies can offer to European cancer patients. He stressed the importance of making immuno-oncology therapies more accessible to patients. He stated: “Immuno-oncology therapies offer significant potential for patients with many forms of cancer, and for many of them, they offer long-term remission when no other treatment possibilities exist. Our understanding of how these therapies work is evolving rapidly. Therefore it is essential that we provide patients with accurate, up-to-date information to help them have a meaningful dialogue with their doctors about the role that these therapies may play in their treatment.”
Please click here to read more about the event, and access the presentations given by invited experts at the event.