Research and innovation face a significant challenge in beating cancer in the coming years. By 2030, experts estimate that cancer will claim the lives of over 1.5 million people in the EU. This disease profoundly affects patients, families, healthcare systems, and society at large. The challenges in cancer research encompass various aspects, including personalized prevention and early detection, conducting clinical trials, addressing chemotherapy resistance, and advancing the development of personalized medicine.

To overcome these challenges, the key lies in empowering research-driven solutions. By adopting this approach, we can not only improve the quality of life for patients and their families but also reduce healthcare costs. Tackling the complexity of cancer requires active collaboration and coordination among researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, patients, and the community at large. COST Connect workshops play a vital role as a platform for experts to exchange knowledge, foster collaborations, and accelerate progress in the fight against cancer.

COST Connect: Collaborating for Progress in Coordinating Cancer Research in Europe

On 29 and 30 June 2023, COST Connect united stakeholders and COST Actions from various disciplines engaged in cancer-related research topics. The event aimed to facilitate the exchange of information among colleagues regarding their work and activities while also exploring opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations.

During the event, Alexandre Ceccaldi, the General Secretary of The ETP Nanomedicine (ETPN), presented smart solutions provided by ETPN in the global fight against cancer. He emphasized the crucial importance of connecting the right experts in the multidimensional landscape of cancer research. Alexandre Ceccaldi expressed ETPN's dedication to contributing, learning, and fostering fruitful collaborations with COST.

According to Ceccaldi -

"ETPN Association can add value to COST Actions and COST in general The ETPN, with its commitment and savoir-faire in translating health technology innovations into patient-accessible solutions, is eager to learn, contribute, and foster fruitful collaborations with COST."

During the event, several examples were showcased to illustrate the diverse range of topics and accomplishments:

COST Action Pan-European Network in Lipidomics and EpiLipidomics (EpiLipidNET) emphasized the significance of lipids in our bodies and their role in diseases like cancer, with a specific focus on biomarkers for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment evaluation.

During the event, COST Action Network for Optimized Astatine labeled Radiopharmaceuticals (NOAR) showcased the utilization of Astatine-211, a promising radionuclide, for Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT) in cancer treatment. Their goal is to make this technology accessible to all European citizens.

Similarly, COST Action Genome Editing to Treat Human Diseases (GenE-Humdi) highlighted revolutionary research in genome editing technologies. They emphasized the potential for treating genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer through precise modifications of patients' genomes.

Additionally, COST Action European andrology network- research coordination, education, and public awareness (ANDRONET) stressed the significance of early detection in improving cancer outcomes. They emphasized the advances in screening technologies.

Furthermore, the COST Action Implementation Network Europe for Cancer Survivorship Care (INE-CSC) directed its attention to cancer survivorship care, with a focus on enhancing access to quality of life and survivorship support for cancer survivors in the EU.

These examples not only illustrate the diverse range of topics discussed but also showcase the accomplishments presented during the COST Connect event. They shed light on the progress and potential of collaborative cancer research. By nurturing collaborations and addressing different aspects of cancer research, we can work towards effective solutions in the fight against cancer.