TRANSCAN

Basic Information

Description

In the fight against cancer, the strengthening of translational cancer research is a high and urgent priority to achieve the integration of basic, epidemiological, preclinical and clinical cancer research with the implementation and evaluation of interventions in prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and care. At a European level, this integrative process requires better coordination and combination of limited resources among Member States, concerning research policies and research funding. With improved use of European funding resources, the unique strengths that Europe offers – namely excellent basic cancer research leading to outstanding scientific discoveries - could then more readily be converted into innovative medicinal products, interventions and services capable of boosting European healthcare and competitiveness in the medical sector. TRANSCAN will thus strongly contribute to the building of a more effective European Research Area.

Main research priorities of the network

TRANSCAN aims at integrating basic, epidemiological, preclinical and clinical cancer research, in the fields of cancer prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and care. The specific areas and topics where the above mentioned integration is particularly instrumental for promoting translational cancer research will be identified by acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of the existing research programmes and research projects, including those dedicated to training and capacity building, in the above mentioned fields. This knowledge will lead to the identification of: i) current strengths and weaknesses, in terms of investments in the different areas of cancer research; ii) the areas of translational cancer research that could most benefit from transnational coordination and collaboration; and iii) topics for the joint calls considered of high-priority, for promoting the development of innovative interventions for cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.