Cancer Core Europe (CCE) concluded its 2024 Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, hosted by the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano (INT) on February 5th and 6th. The event brought together over 60 active members from CCE centres, who participated in strategic sessions and scientific discussions and enjoyed networking and social activities.
After two days of stimulating conversations, we have covered a wide range of important topics. We are grateful for everyone’s active involvement and invaluable comments, which have tremendously enriched our discussions and moved us closer to achieving our common goals.
Day 1: Highlights
The annual encounter started with an insightful introduction and warm welcoming from Filippo de Braud (INT), member of the CCE Board of Directors. Josep Tabernero (VHIO), Chairperson of CCE, provided a comprehensive overview of the consortium and outlined current and future priorities. Javier Carmona (VHIO), Chief Scientific Officer of CCE, followed with a presentation on strategic actions for the upcoming years.
The agenda continued with a comprehensive review of the activities promoted by the clinical trials and translational research pillar for the year 2023, presented by its leader Elena Garralda (VHIO) and Irene Braña (VHIO). Later, Christina von Gertten (KI) delved into the achievements and the future trajectory of the education and training pillar. Nick Tobin (KI) shared highlights from the successful CCE Summer School 2023 and encouraged to continue supporting other initiatives like the TRYTRAC program, promoted and mentored by Ingemar Ernberg (KI).
Attendees also participated in enlightening flash talks on digital and computational oncology and innovative clinical approaches. In addition, the AYA project was presented by TRYTRACers Lorenzo Castagnoli (INT) and Chiara Ciniselli (INT), showcasing the impactful contributions resulting from the program.
The ELFI team, under the leadership of Carlos Lopez (VHIO), met to review and discuss the upcoming year’s task force milestones. Simultaneously, the imaging task force, led by Raquel Perez-Lopez (VHIO), convened to strategize their next steps and brainstorm innovative ways to expand the task force’s impact and enhance its contributions to CCE.
The day concluded with a guided visit to the Duomo terrace and piazza, followed by a delightful dinner at a traditional trattoria, fostering networking opportunities among participants.
Day 2: Highlights
The final day of the event began with a meeting dedicated to introducing and discussing the latest modules of the Basket of Baskets (BoB) and outlining strategic actions for Phase 1 platform. Elena Garralda (VHIO), leading the clinical trials and translational research CCE pillar, emphasized the importance of continued active participation from the involved centers and their members in these pivotal CCE initiatives.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage in sessions featuring flash talks on experimental oncology. Additionally, Marc Deloger (Gustave Roussy) and Pierre Delpy (DKFZ) outlined the road map for the Virtual Data Centre (VDC) pillar. Marjanka K. Schmidt (NKI) from the early prevention and detection pillar, introduced the team, along with their proposals and future strategy.
Breakout meetings covering genomics for CCE trials and In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR), the virtual data centre and data sharing activities, as well as new proposals and perspectives for CCE’s education and training programmes, provided participants with opportunities to get involved in different discussions and contribute with their expertise and insights in each session.
Finally, the first Board of Directors meeting of the year took place on the second day of the event. During the session, strategic updates and requests from the pillars were reviewed, alongside new proposals and initiatives presented by the members.
Final conclusions
Looking ahead, we encourage the various pillars and task forces to implement the insights obtained to take decisive actions to support and advance Cancer Core Europe (CCE) in the coming year.
We are deeply grateful to each participant for their effort and commitment. Special thanks also go to Giovanni Scoazec (INT) for organizing the event and the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano (INT) for hosting us.
Until we meet again at Cancer Core Europe’s 2025 Annual Meeting, lets continue to work together to achieve our common goals!
