EORTC Global Strategy Meeting: Boosting International Cancer Clinical Trials

EORTC Global Strategy Meeting Focuses on Collaborative Cancer Research

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) recently concluded its 2026 Global Strategy Meeting in Brussels, bringing together international leaders to strengthen academic, independent, and patient-centered clinical cancer research. The meeting, held from March 23rd to March 24th, centered on identifying common priorities and future models for global cooperation in cancer clinical trials.

Winette van der Graaf, President of the EORTC and Professor of Medical Oncology at The Netherlands Cancer Institute, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the meeting. According to a post on LinkedIn, the goal was to understand the capabilities of organizations worldwide in conducting clinical trials and improving patient outcomes. Despite varying needs and challenges across different healthcare systems, a shared ambition emerged: to elevate independent clinical research through global partnerships.

Key discussion topics included optimizing cancer diagnostics, refining both local and systemic treatments – encompassing dosage, duration, and timing – and integrating patient input throughout the clinical trial design and execution process. Participants concluded that immediate action is needed to address these areas, fostering a stronger collaborative environment.

Addressing Challenges in Global Cancer Research

The EORTC’s focus on global collaboration comes at a critical time for cancer research. The AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held in October 2025, highlighted the necessity of translational research, efficient drug development, and large-scale clinical trials. These efforts require a joint, global approach to facilitate the early exchange of information during the development process.

The EORTC’s scientific strategy, as outlined on its website, is built on a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing pharmacology, molecular biology, tumor immunology, and imaging. This strategy aims to address oncology challenges across various tumor types and patient populations, ensuring inclusivity for both young and old, and those with frequent or rare cancers. The organization also prioritizes conducting trials in countries where its active members are located.

The meeting’s emphasis on patient-centricity aligns with EORTC’s established leadership in quality of life research and the development of Patient Reported Outcome Measurement instruments, widely used in cancer clinical trials. This commitment to patient involvement is a core tenet of the organization’s approach.

Looking Ahead: EORTC’s Next Steps

The EORTC plans to prioritize “low-hanging fruit” – readily achievable goals – while simultaneously tackling more complex challenges. This commitment to both immediate progress and long-term innovation underscores the organization’s dedication to advancing cancer research globally. The EORTC’s Scientific Chairs Council (SCC) will continue to guide the organization’s scientific strategy, supported by dedicated councils for radiation oncology and research in older adults.

Following the Global Strategy Meeting, the EORTC will participate in the ESMO Congress in Berlin in November 2025, showcasing its contributions to European cancer research. Several group-specific spring meetings are scheduled for March and April 2026, focusing on areas such as breast cancer, pharmacology, genito-urinary cancer, and lung cancer. The EORTC Summit on Clinical Cancer Research is scheduled for March 23-24, 2027 in Brussels, further solidifying its commitment to driving progress in global clinical cancer research.