European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)

Abstract

AbstractThe European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) is a pan‐European nonprofit cancer research organization that develops conducts, coordinates, and stimulates high‐quality translational and clinical research to improve the standards of cancer care. Founded in 1962, the EORTC has since developed into a vast network of cancer research expertise and infrastructure with more than 2500 scientists and clinicians who collaborate across over 200 affiliated institutions and academic centers in 30 countries. Cancer clinical trial research carried out by the EORTC has contributed to improvements in the quality of life and survival of cancer patients, extended the definition of standards for cancer patient care, advanced the practice of organ preservation as well as minimal and nonmutilating cancer surgery, and established diagnostic and treatment guidelines that aid clinicians in the treatment decision‐making process. The EORTC has also contributed to the advancement of cancer research through its educational programs and activities for scientists, clinicians, young researchers, patients, and the public. The EORTC has undertaken organizational and strategic initiatives throughout the years and continues to adopt novel strategic approaches to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing cancer research environment. Additional breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in the current era of molecular biology will be accomplished primarily through translational research projects, efficient drug development, and the conduct of translational research‐guided large prospective randomized multicenter clinical trials. The EORTC has been a leader in cancer research for over 45 years and will continue to devote its energy and expertise to high‐quality clinical cancer research throughout the twenty‐first century to improve the standards of cancer care, advance the scientific understanding of cancer as a disease, and address pivotal strategic therapeutic questions.