Thoracic oncology in Europe: the ERS action plan by the Thoracic Oncology Assembly

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Europe and its incidence is rapidly increasing in females 1, 2. In addition, malignant mesothelioma is an emerging neoplasm that is expected to become a frequent disease in the forthcoming decade. Based on these considerations, the European Respiratory Society (ERS), which is the only European medical organisation dealing with respiratory diseases, has founded a new assembly to set up an action plan called “Thoracic Oncology in Europe”. The decision to create a new assembly dedicated to thoracic oncology was made in 2009. The Thoracic Oncology Assembly (assembly 11) was issued from the thoracic oncology group of the Clinical Assembly and consists of two groups: group 11.1, dealing with lung cancer, and group 11.2, dealing with pleural and thoracic malignancies. The motivation of the ERS to establish a new assembly is that thoracic oncology has become a strong pillar of the society. Indeed, thoracic malignancies are a menacing health problem, not only on our continent. To meet this challenge, an action plan was designed by the assembly officers during a memorable meeting in Brussels in March 2010 and approved immediately, and was strongly welcomed by the ERS executive committee in April. The action plan intends that the ERS becomes the leading European society in the field, as its members already deal with all aspects of thoracic malignancies, from basic science to patient care. To fulfil this objective, various activities will be developed. European guidelines in the field of thoracic oncology are an important part of the plan, not only to keep up with an accelerating development …