Helping Europe beat cancer
Turning the tide against cancer is a major EU health priority. As the science service of the Commission, the JRC has contributed significantly to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
The recently released European Quality Assurance (QA) Scheme for Breast Cancer Services is an important milestone towards improving early detection and care throughout Europe.
Furthermore, the JRC’s pioneering research and successful results on nuclear treatment for prostate cancer (published in the Lancet Oncology) was another major milestone, acknowledging and anchoring the JRC’s important work in this field.
Societal impact
First formulated the novel concept of applying radioactive substances in targeted cancer therapy.
The testing of the European QA scheme showed its potential in reducing inequalities and improving patient outcomes thanks to the use of evidence -based quality indicators. The JRC’s role was crucial in coordinating the pilot sites and stakeholders, ensuring the European QA scheme is adaptable across European healthcare systems.
Provided long-standing cancer support
The JRC has supported Europe’s efforts, mainly with DG SANTE, in fighting cancer for many years. In the early 1990’s, the novel concept of applying radioactive substances in targeted cancer therapy was first conceived in the JRC. Indeed, the JRC had ideal conditions as it integrated its sophisticated laboratory facilities for nuclear research with a broad range of expertise in chemistry, physics and biology. The JRC’s independence of commercial interests ensured patient-centricity.
But the JRC’s knowledge management services have also played a key role. The European Cancer Information System (ECIS), launched in 2018, is the reference for monitoring and projecting the burden of cancer in Europe. ECIS data clearly shows the urgent need to improve cancer screening, diagnosis and care. Guidelines and quality assurance schemes such as those for breast cancer services address this need. To foster independent scientific alignment and coordination, in 2021 the JRC also launched the Knowledge Centre on Cancer. Finally, in 2022 the European Cancer Inequalities Registry was launched and endorsed by Commission President von der Leyen. It is a flagship initiative of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan to identify, summarise and communicate on disparities and inequalities between Member States and Regions.
Developed new quality assurance scheme for breast cancer services
The new JRC-led quality assurance scheme, endorsed in November 2024, defines a common set of quality requirements for breast cancer services. This scheme, designed to be implemented on a voluntary basis, covers the entire care pathway from screening to palliative care. Feasibility testing of the scheme in 20 entities across 9 countries was a resounding success, as explained by Dorota Dudek-Godeau, Polish National Institute of Public Health - National Research Institute. Healthcare providers compliant with the requirements will be able to apply for certification.
Widespread EU adoption of the scheme would reduce the cancer burden, improve the homogeneity of cancer care services offered in the EU and offer reassurance to women and patients that screening and care being offered is of good quality. It marks a concrete step towards improving early detection and breast cancer care throughout the EU.
Pioneered new highly effective nuclear treatment for prostate cancer
In 2013-2014, the JRC achieved a breakthrough with the development of 225Actinium-PSMA617 for the treatment of prostate cancer, together with University Hospital Heidelberg. This radionuclide therapy (targeted alpha therapy), initiated at the JRC, has had significant impact in bolstering progression-free and overall survival rates for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer - the lethal form of prostate cancer progression. It was clinically tested on 488 patients on four continents.
The remarkable results of the study co-led by the JRC was the largest investigation of the antitumor effect and toxicity of 225Ac-PSMA to date. This study was published in 2024 in the world-leading clinical oncology research journal, Lancet Oncology. The JRC’s pioneering research work, as well as its support to hospitals and cancer centres on targeted alpha therapy treatment, have been important contributors to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.