Introduction

Registration Deadline extended to Monday 20th October 2025

The patient perspective in cancer research is vital to creating more effective, compassionate, and equitable research that truly benefits those affected by the disease. Patient focus organisations are working on empowering patients to actively participate in decision-making, treatment planning, and research design, fostering better outcomes and relevance, but there is still work to be done. By actively incorporating patients’ perspectives, research can better address key aspects of cancer care, such as patients' quality of life, symptom management, and treatment side effects. Patients can also highlight gaps in communication and in current treatment options or areas where existing therapies fall short, leading to the development of innovative approaches to care.

This virtual event, a collaboration between the EACR and the OECI (Organisation of European Cancer Institutes), will explore how meaningful involvement of cancer advocates throughout the research process can lead to impactful cancer research. We will highlight practical examples and offer insights into how researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates can work together to bridge gaps between science and cancer care. Participants will better understand the opportunities and challenges in shaping a collaborative research culture to advance research and improve cancer care. 

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Target audience

This meeting aims to serve the broad research community, cancer researchers, clinicians, and advocates as an introductory step to addressing the current state of public and patient involvement in cancer research and understanding the challenges ahead.

Topics to be covered:

• From Bench to Community: Building bridges between science and cancer research through education and public engagement.
• Breaking Barriers: Addressing the challenges of patient/researcher successful involvement in cancer research.
• Driving Progress Together: How researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates can accelerate advances in cancer research.

Scientific Programme Committee

• Sophie Postel-Vinay (EACR Co-Chair) - INSERM, France
• Delia Nicoara (OECI Co-Chair) - Institute of Oncology (IOCN), Romania
• Marta Puyol - Scientific Director, Spanish Association against Cancer Scientific Foundation (FC AECC), Spain
• George Sflomos - EPFL, Switzerland
• Ines Vaz-Luis - Gustave Roussy, France

Lay summary of the conference topic:

This meeting will explore how involving cancer patients in research leads to more meaningful, impactful outcomes. Patients are not only a source of motivation—they bring unique insights that help researchers and clinicians identify gaps in care and develop more effective solutions. The event will showcase examples of collaboration and address barriers limiting patient involvement. Join us to learn how cancer research can be done with patients, not just about them, and how this inclusive approach benefits everyone affected by cancer.

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