The OECI Network

The Leuven Cancer Institute integrates oncological research and care within KU Leuven, University Hospital Leuven and VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology. Our mission is to improve the quality of cancer care and thus the life expectancy and quality of life of cancer patients. We serve as a coordinating and strategically steering institution that crosses the borders of individual divisions to ensure a seamless interaction between all stakeholders.

We are dedicated to pioneering cancer research by strengthening the entire translational research cycle from the laboratory to the patient, and back, encompassing basic and translational research, and an extensive panel of clinical studies. By translating our research findings into clinical applications, we aim to further advance prevention, early detection, targeted treatment and excellent (supportive) care.

State-of-the-art research equipment and centralized services are part of our success. These include a (spatial) multi-omics platform, a genomics core, an artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing institute, preclinical model platforms, a proton therapy center, a tech transfer office, a multi-tumor board and a broad set of oncological care programs.

We ensure the quality and relevance and we contribute to oncology-related education and training for all medical and paramedical programs. These include the current and future generations of researchers, clinicians and other healthcare providers at the pre- and postdoctoral level as well as the lay public.

Presentation of the Centre

With over 5,000 patients, including more than 3,000 new patients, the King Albert II Institute is a leading cancer centre in Brussels and Belgium. Integrated into a major academic hospital, it brings together all the skills and knowledge necessary for cancer patient care and research against cancer. In 2025, the Institute will be housed in a new building dedicated to oncology care for adults and children, bringing together all the professionals needed for comprehensive, high-quality care focused on patient well-being. Offering cutting-edge oncology expertise and access to the latest innovations, the new centre will strengthen its position as a reference across Belgium and Europe, and will perfectly address the challenges of centralizing rare cancers for the benefit of the patient.

Main research activities

• Targeted therapy
• Tumor hypoxia
• Immunotherapy
• CAR-T cells
• Innovative radiotherapy

Main Facilities

• 4 MRI machines
• 3 LINACS (1 for adaptive radiotherapy)
• 4 scanners
• 2 PET scans
• 1 tumor bank
• 85 beds for day hospitalization
• Well-being center
• Adolescents-young adults facilities
• On site Labs: Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Christian de Duve Institute, Institut de Recherche Expériementale et Clinique (IREC – UCLouvain)
• 180 clinical trials opened

Professionals

• 16 multidisciplinary groups
• More than 140 doctors
• 150 nurses and paramedics

Presentation of the Centre

The Oncology center at the Heart and Brain Centre of Excellence is a leading cancer care institution, focused at establishing state-of-the-art health care by providing personalized and innovative approach in screening, diagnostics, treatment and follow-up of patients with cancer. The Oncology Center at H&B is a part of the Bulgarian Cardiac Institute (BCI)- the most influential healthcare organization on the Balkans since 2008. Today BCI integrates two high-tech centers of clinical excellence in Pleven and Burgas; five specialized cardiology hospitals and 15 primary health care medical centers across the country.

Main research activities

The Oncology Center at H&B has introduced as a pioneer a cardio-oncology-based approach in the clinical practice and also has in view a development of innovative approaches for anticancer management with reduced cardiotoxicity. We collaborate with many national and international universities and university hospitals on scientific projects and research programs in cancer and cancer genetics. We aim to establish screening, early detection and risk reduction programs and measures, inclusive by molecular genetic testing and genetic counseling that we offer to our patients. We are currently running a very successful scientific projects on post-covid clinical consequences in the Bulgarian population. We participate in clinical trials in all phases, including phase 1.

Core Facilities

• The Clinic of Medical Oncology (with Clinical TrialsDepartment);
• The Clinic of Oncohaematology:
• The Department of Radiotherapy;
• Different surgical Clinics and Anaesthesiology;
• Gynaecology;
• Orthopaedics;
• Psychotherapy;
• Molecular pathology and genetics;
• The department of Cardiooncology.

Education

Scientific and educational activities are fundamental for Heart and Brain's future development. We are training students, residents, specialists and post-doctoral students, and are participating in interventional and non-interventional clinical trials.

Presentation of the Centre

The University Hospital for Tumours, part of Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, is the only institution in Croatia providing prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support to patients with solid tumours with a multidisciplinarity and patient centred approach. All services are available at the cancer centre. On a yearly basis, the programs are revised in order to better suit patients’ expectations. The University Hospital for Tumours has preserved its policy of patient centred holistic cancer care.

Main research activities

The research focuses on application of relevant translational data. Due to the high volume of breast cancer and rectal cancer pathology, the research is focused on patient stratification according to markers predicting the response to therapy in these two areas with stressing hereditary components. Alongside interventional clinical trials, academic focus is on quality of life, nutritional, psychological aspects and effects of prehabilitation. Through collaboration with Academies of Fine Arts, Drama and Music, the hospital opened another stream of qualitative studies of art mediated support care.

Core Facilities

The University Hospital for Tumours provides diagnostics and high risk surveillance services, surgery, radiotherapy and oncological treatment, palliative, nutritional and psychological support, rehabilitation and reintegration services. Though there is an experimental department, most of our research is conducted in collaboration or partnership with Croatian or European Institutions or within consortia. 

Education

University Hospital for Tumours is an educational site for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy and Biochemistry. The faculty members of our staff are involved in postdoctoral studies and mentoring in basic, translational and clinical cancer research.

Founders

The Centre is registered as a Charity, following an agreement by the Cyprus Government and the Bank of Cyprus. It operates since 1998.

Board of Trustees

It is overseen by a seven-member Board of Trus tees.

Mission

To serve cancer patients and their families with state-of-the-art services.

Vision

Autonomous, not-for-profit referral centre for the treatment of cancer, aspiring to excellence, committed to continuous improvement.

Departments

• Radiation Oncology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Medical Oncology
• Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology (including interventional bronchoscopy/ gastroenterology)
• Surgical Oncology (under development)
• Clinical Trials Unit
• Medical Physics
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Operations
• Finance and Accounting

Radiotherapy

• Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy 3D-CRT
• Volumetric treatments (IMRT, VMAT)
• Image guided radiotherapy (IGRT)
• Stereotactic RT - cranial and extracranial
• Brachytherapy – IBRT
• Superficial SXR

Equipment

• 3 Linear Accelerators (Varian)
• Superficial treatment unit
• HDR-Brachytherapy system
• CT scanner for simulation
• Treatment planning systems
• CT scanner
• MRI
• Ultrasound
• Digital mammography unit with tomosynthesis
• Digital conventional X-ray unit
• C-ARM
• SPECT-CT

Other facilities

• 2 Wards - hospitalisation & inpatient treatment
• Day care unit for chemotherapy
• Day care unit for supportive care
• Outpatient examination/consulting rooms
• Aseptic suite for the reconstitution of cytotoxic drugs
• Pharmacy & dispensary

Presentation of the Centre

Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute (MMCI) is the largest cancer centre in the Czech Republic, providing health care services, research, and education in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of solid tumors. Currently serves as the National Cancer Centre in the network of Czech Comprehensive Cancer Centres.

Main research activities

MMCI operates its own facility for basic and translational research, RECAMO (Research Center for Applied Molecular Oncology) with its 7 research groups. Part of the MMCI research infrastructure is the Department of Clinical Trials. Its Phase I Unit is certified for first-in human trials. MMCI serves as the national node of the BBMRI-ERIC research infrastructure for biobanking and also is one of the founding members of the Czech research group "Center for Artificial Intelligence in Oncology".

Core Facilities

Our patients have access to the most innovative diagnostics and cancer treatment options, including robotic surgery, theranostics, precision oncology, and radiotherapy. Every year, almost 5,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients start treatment at MMCI. We perform approximately 5,500 surgeries, including robotic procedures, more than 8,000 patients is treated by anticancer drugs and 2,500 is treated by radiotherapy.

Education

MMCI provides oncology education for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for patients and the general public. MMCI is accredited to provide education and training in 18 specializations for physicians, 5 specializations for pharmacists and 8 specializations for nurses and other non-medical health professionals. MMCI organizes various educational events. Brno Oncology Days stands out as the most significant one attracting over 2,000 participants annualy.

MMCI in numbers

• 1,123 employees, of whom 131 hold a scientific degree
• 220 inpatient beds /8,432 inpatient cases
• 44 beds in 2 day care units /32,078 treatment applications
• 52 number of outpatient clinics /578,103 outpatient treatments
• 5,552 operations, including robotic surgeries
• 650,923 radiotherapy procedures
• 192 peer-reviewed publications
• 127 clinical trials
• A+ rating from patients

Presentation of the Centre

Motol University Hospital (MUH), the largest healthcare facility in the Czech Republic, provides comprehensive medical care for both children and adults, guided by the latest medical knowledge and the motto "Serving Generations." Each year, MUH serves over 1,200,000 individuals on an outpatient basis and admits more than 77,300 patients. The Department of Oncology, associated with the Second Faculty of Medicine at Charles University and MUH, was recognized as one of the Comprehensive Centers in 2014 and designated as one of the two National Cancer Centers in the Czech Republic.

Main Research Activities at MUH

MUH is actively engaged in the EU's Horizon 2020 research program, along with various projects supported by the Czech Research Council. The "Modern Therapies" initiative has been introduced at MUH to foster the integration of scientific research findings into clinical practice. Eleven departments at MUH are part of different European Reference Networks for Rare Diseases, including EURACAN. The Department of Oncology participates in several EU Joint Actions for Cancer, such as CRANE, IDEA4RC, and JANE, and is a member of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Furthermore, the Department of Immunology collaborates closely with a leading Czech biotechnology company to develop innovative cancer immunotherapies.

Core Facilities at MUH

MUH is structured into three distinct sections dedicated to patient care: a pediatric wing with approximately 600 beds, an adult wing with 1,230 beds, and a facility for long-term illnesses housing 390 beds. The hospital boasts 29 large operating rooms and 12 intensive care units. It offers comprehensive departments for both children and adults, including a transplant department for solid organs and bone marrow, as well as a tissue bank. MUH hosts several multidisciplinary cancer teams specializing in areas such as gynecology, gastroenterology, urology, and pulmonology. Advanced surgical techniques, including robotic surgery, have been implemented in the surgical and urological departments. The radiotherapy unit is equipped with three modern linear accelerators capable of IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, RMS, and brachytherapy. MUH also encompasses various specialized laboratories for genetics, molecular biology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, medical microbiology, pathology, and molecular medicine. Additionally, genetic testing and consultations are provided by the Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, which also functions as the National Coordination Center for Rare Diseases.

Education

MUH hosts two medical faculties from Charles University in Prague, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate education. These faculties award degrees in general medicine, physiotherapy, and general nursing, as well as doctoral programs in biomedicine. Additionally, MUH participates in the ERASMUS program, educating a number of students annually.

Presentation of the Centre

The Vejle Cancer Centre, part of Lillebaelt Hospital, is dedicated to delivering world-class cancer care. Our mission is to provide every cancer patient with personalized, high-quality treatment, integrating the latest advances in research and clinical care to enhance outcomes and quality of life. Recognized by the Region of Southern Denmark as a specialist cancer hospital since 2008, Vejle Cancer Centre is one of Denmark’s premier institutions for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research. Our centre serves as a national reference point, with a strong commitment to offering equitable access to cutting-edge therapies across a wide range of cancers including colorectal, breast, lung, prostate, hematological, and gynecologic malignancies. At Vejle Cancer Centre, prevention and early detection are cornerstones of our cancer control strategy. Through population-based screening programs and personalized risk assessment tools, we aim to reduce cancer incidence and diagnose cancers at earlier, more treatable stages. We offer a holistic approach to supportive care, addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients and their families throughout the cancer journey. Palliative care is integrated early in the treatment pathway to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced disease.

Main research activity

Our research is embedded within every step of patient care, bridging the gap between clinical trials and everyday treatment. With a focus on precision oncology, we ensure that every patient benefits from the latest advancements in personalized medicine. Our multidisciplinary teams conduct translational research, integrating it seamlessly with clinical trials, ensuring that innovative treatments are rapidly implemented to improve patient outcomes.

Core Research Areas:

• Multidisciplinary Care
• Translational Research
• Shared Decision Making
• Population-Based Cohorts
• National and International Collaboration
• Fast-Tracked Research Implementation

Core facilities

Vejle Cancer Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support minimally invasive surgeries, advanced radiological imaging, and high-precision radiotherapy. Our clinical research unit and high-tech laboratories ensure that we remain at the forefront of cancer research, offering our patients access to the latest therapies and clinical trials.

Education

As an academic partner of the University of Southern Denmark, we are deeply invested in the education and training of the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our commitment to both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education ensures that our staff are well-prepared to lead in the rapidly evolving field of cancer care.

Presentation of AUH

Aarhus University Hospital (AUH) holds ambitions for the highest possible standards in cancer care, and is committed to treatment, education and research with a patient centred approach. AUH is a local hospital covering 350,000+ citizens in the city of Aarhus and a highly specialized hospital for patients in Central Denmark Region with a regional catchment area of 1,4 million inhabitants. AUH employs 10,500 persons across 55 departments and covers all types of cancer treatment. In 2023, AUH had more than 35,500 cancer patients and performed 11,400 cancer procedures.

Main research activity

AUH and Aarhus University (AU) have a broad range of cancer research ranging from basic science to clinical research including intervention trials. AUH and AU have outstanding scientific facilities, an extensive international network and the clinical trial units have more than 50 ongoing cancer trials. In 2023, 697 peer-reviewed cancer articles were published.

Core Facilities

The diagnostic facilities are outstanding and include: seven PET-CT, 1 PET-MRI, 15 MRI, 6 gamma cameras of which 4 are coupled with CT-scan, 16 CT-scans, 3 cyclotrons, several endoscopy wards and 3 surgical robots. AUH covers most of the modern radiotherapy techniques including a national proton therapy centre and several treatments with radionuclide therapy. AUH also houses cancer biobanks, a high-performance computing facility and an extensive next-generation sequencing facility with access to whole-genome sequencing.

Education

AUH highly prioritizes education of health care professionals in collaboration with Aarhus University and VIA University College. The education program covers medical students, PhD students, physicians, nurses and several supporting disciplines.

Presentation of the Centre

The Copenhagen Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCCC) entails the Clinical Departments of On-cology at Rigshospitalet and Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, and serves the local capital community, and the region/country, for specialized functions and cancer treatment in all organ-systems. Organization as Comprehensive Cancer Center strengthens all aspects of cancer treatment fo-cusing on four key areas: Clinical patient services, quality development, education, and research.

Main research and core facilities

Research is a cornerstone of Oncology within the CCCC and occupies a special place of im-portance and priority at both Rigshospitalet and Herlev-Gentofte Hospital. Also, CCCC is proud to perform education and clinical training of students and Ph.D. scholars in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark. Rigshospitalet has the largest Oncologic phase 1 facility in Scandinavia, with more than 50 ongo-ing trials for solid and hematological malignancies. Over 600 Whole Genome Sequencing profiles, including bioinformatics, are processed annually. The National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK) is based at Herlev- Gentofte Hospital. CCIT-DK performs experimental and clinical projects facilitating fast clinical implementation of new immunotherapies incl. tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) in metastatic melanoma. Additional research focus areas in CCCC include personalised medicine, radiotherapy (incl. adap-tive techniques), translational research, PROs, and AI-based Real-World Evidence.

Presentation of the Centre

The Copenhagen Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCCC) entails the Clinical Departments of On-cology at Rigshospitalet and Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, and serves the local capital community, and the region/country, for specialized functions and cancer treatment in all organ-systems. Organization as Comprehensive Cancer Center strengthens all aspects of cancer treatment fo-cusing on four key areas: Clinical patient services, quality development, education, and research.

Main research and core facilities

Research is a cornerstone of Oncology within the CCCC and occupies a special place of im-portance and priority at both Rigshospitalet and Herlev-Gentofte Hospital. Also, CCCC is proud to perform education and clinical training of students and Ph.D. scholars in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark. Rigshospitalet has the largest Oncologic phase 1 facility in Scandinavia, with more than 50 ongo-ing trials for solid and hematological malignancies. Over 600 Whole Genome Sequencing profiles, including bioinformatics, are processed annually. The National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK) is based at Herlev- Gentofte Hospital. CCIT-DK performs experimental and clinical projects facilitating fast clinical implementation of new immunotherapies incl. tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) in metastatic melanoma. Additional research focus areas in CCCC include personalised medicine, radiotherapy (incl. adap-tive techniques), translational research, PROs, and AI-based Real-World Evidence.

Presentation of the Centre

Odense University Hospital (OUH) is one of the five university hospitals in Denmark. OUH offers comprehensive medical care for both children and adults with cancer, guided by the latest medical knowledge and based on the vision of ‘Patient First’. Every year, OUH serves over 1 million patients on an outpatient basis and more than 85,000 patients during hospitalization. In addition to serving as a cancer hospital, OUH also functions as the University Hospital of Southern Denmark across all medical specialities. OUH serves as secondary referral hospital within the region and as tertiary hospital regarding a number of services.

Main Research Activities at OUH

Research at OUH focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration. OUH has had an elite research programme regarding cancer in the elderly (AgeCare) since 2012. The current research strategy is entitled ‘Together we create the patient treatment of the future’ and focuses on research for and together with patients and relatives, evidence-based medicine, excellent research collaboration, a strong research culture and attractive career paths. Overall, OUH has 6 elite centers, 5 centers of excellence and 13 frontline centers. Staffs include 120 professors (36 of them within the field of cancer), 70 adjunct professors and more than 260 PhD students. In 2022, there were published 1916 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers. The Department of Oncology is very strong in radiotherapy research, with many active doctors, physicists, nurses and radiotherapists. There are two professors and one emeritus professor in the field, one medical and one new professor in medical physics. In addition, we have a number of associate professors and clinical associate professors in the field. A large number of articles in highly respected journals are published from the department every year. OUH has a strong focus on telemedicine and has a strong tradition in both research and treatment, e.g. home measurements, apps etc. OUH also houses the Centre of Clinical Robotics (CCR), which strengthens the use of robotics for both logistics and treatment and has Denmark's first center for clinical artificial intelligence (CAI-X) in collaboration with the University of Southern Denmark. OUH is a frontrunner in areas such as cryo-freezing treatment of tumors, PET/MR scans and camera endoscopy in population screening for colon cancer.

Core Facilities at OUH

OUH has 10% of the Danish hospital activity and is a university hospital with all specialties. Management is decentralized and with extensive scope for management layers under the executive board. The chief physician and chief nurse make up the joint department management. Function managers are the third and final layer of management in OUH's 52 departments (29 of these departments are working within the cancer field). The hospital has 896 beds and 10,980 employees, of whom approximately 2,000 are doctors and 3,500 are nurses. In the field of cancer, there have been established several multidisciplinary cancer teams, specializing in areas such as gynecology, gastroenterology, urology and pulmonology. The Department of Oncology provides medical treatment and radiotherapy, while surgical treatment takes place in the surgical wards. Advanced surgical techniques, including robotic surgery, have been implemented in the surgical departments. The Department of Oncology at OUH has six standard physical accelerators and an MRI accelerator (MRL). In addition, there is a surface treatment device for the treatment of skin cancer. The department also has a number of medical treatments and many highly specialized areas. We have around 40 medical protocols with the pharmaceutical industry and many investigator-initiated studies. OUH receives patients from the entire Region of Southern Denmark. For some cancers that require highly specialized treatment, we also receive patients from other regions and in some cases from all of Denmark. In collaboration with the Danish Regions and the Danish Health Authority, so-called cancer care pathways have been created for an array of cancer types. OUH follows these programs, which ensures that OUH follows the guidelines for the best treatment. The treatment at the Department of Oncology is of international standard, and the treatment is coordinated with the other oncological departments in Denmark and follows the content of the ‘National Board of Health's cancer care pathways’. OUH also includes various specialized laboratories for clinical genetics, clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, medical microbiology and clinical pathology. In addition, genetic tests and consultations are offered by the Department of Clinical Genetics.

Education

OUH collaborates with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense, which offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. This faculty awards degrees in medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, biomedicine, among others. OUH also collaborates with the Faculty of Health Sciences at University College, which offers bachelor programmes in nursing, Biomedical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. In addition, OUH participates in the ERASMUS programme and educates a number of students each year.

Presentation of the Centre

Tartu University Hospital (founded in May 1804) and the Medical Faculty of the University of Tartu (founded in 1632) are the two important parts of the Centre. Tartu University Hospital is the largest health care provider in Estonia. High quality tertiary medical care is offered in nearly all specialties. At the same time Tartu University Hospital is the only institution to perform organ transplantations in Estonia. Kidney, liver, pancreas and lungs are harvested by University Hospital’s transplant surgeons' team all over the country. Likewise, pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases are referred to Tartu University Hospital and the Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic serves the whole Estonian population. The Cancer Centre of Tartu University Hospital governs and oversees the cancer care continuum across different structural units encompassing prevention, diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative care, end-of-life care, teaching and research. The Cancer Centre is the only OECI accredited clinical Cancer Centre in Estonia. All clinics and medical services related to the diagnostics and treatment of malignant tumors at the Hospital and the Medical Faculty are involved in the activities of the Cancer Centre.

Main research activities

Tartu University Hospital integrates work with scientific research. Education and research are undertaken in close collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine. Both Faculty and University Hospital are widely known for clinical trials and clinical research in human health. In addition, the tight co-operation between the University and the University Hospital creates mutual synergy between preclinical and clinical research. Research activities are connected with the following issues: implementation of therapies and precision oncology; new opportunities of radio- and chemotherapy in glioblastoma multiforme; systemic approach in multiple myeloma; the role of leukemic stem cells in acute and chronic leukemia; hemopoetic stem cells - opportunities to influence. The full list of ongoing clinical trials can be found on the Cancer Centre’s webpage.

Core Facilities

Tartu University Hospital serves as a clinical base for oncology and haematology. Main activities take place in the Haematology and Oncology Clinic, but also Surgery Clinic, Radiology Clinic, Pathology Department, Genetics and Personalized Medicine Clinic, Lung Clinic, Women’s Clinic, Neurology Clinic, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, Palliative Care Department, Patient Service etc.

Education

Tartu University Hospital is the only academic hospital in Estonia. It plays a major role in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies of medical fields. As the leading teaching hospital all the staff is trained to supervise students and residents from the Faculty of Medicine but also nursing students and colleagues from other hospitals.

Presentation of the Centre

East Tallinn Central Hospital offers a comprehensive range of services for cancer patients, including prevention, diagnostics, surgery, systemic therapy, follow-up care, and end-of-life care. The Oncology Centre was established in 2012, and since 2021, the hospital has been accredited as an ESMO Designated Centre of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care.
The hospital has 2,500 employees, including 500 doctors and more than 1000 nurses.

Main research activities

The hospital conducts clinical research in association with international working groups and pharmaceutical companies. In addition, cancer epidemiology and statistics studies are conducted in cooperation with Health Insurance Fund, the National Institute for Health Development including the Estonian National Cancer Registry.

Core Facilities

• Radiology and nuclear medicine services
• Laboratory and pathology services with slides digitalisation, certified ISO 15189
• Endoscopies for diagnosis and interventional purposes
• Brachytherapy in Eye Clinic
• Surgical treatment
• Chemotherapy
• Pharmacy, compounding centre
• Nursing Clinic with hospice department
• Fertility treatment - freezing and preservation of gametes before radiation and chemotherapy treatment

Education

As a teaching hospital, East Tallinn Central Hospital collaborates with the University of Tartu's Faculty of Medicine and two Estonian Health Care Colleges to train medical students, residents, and nurses.

Presentation of the Centre

Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) Cancer Centre is a network organization that unites in a multiprofessional approach the key units participating in cancer diagnostics, treatment, research and education in KUH and University of Eastern Finland (UEF).

Main research activities

The Multidisciplinary Cancer Research community (RC Cancer) brings together the expertice of research scientists in UEF andclinicians in KUH enabling a unique collaboration between cancer researchers with different backgrounds. The main research areas include translational cancer research, molecular mechanisms, enomics and quantitative imaging features of cancer as well as health economics challenges related to cancer. We also participate in clinical trials and aim at bringing the role of clinical research into the daily clinical practice.

Core Facilities

The network structure of KUH Cancer Centre brings a wide range of core facilities from both KUH and UEF available for patient care and research. The facilities in KUH include e.g., surgical treatment with modern technology, radiotherapy including robotic radiotherapy (CyberKnife®), medical oncology and stem cell transplantations, supportive and palliative care, radiology and nuclear medicine, pathology and genetic services. Biobank of Eastern Finland serves the researchers with high quality sample collections and KUH Science Service Center provides support for research administration.

Education

As a part of the university hospital and UEF, the different units of KUH Cancer Centre participate in educating a large range of health care professionals related to cancer diagnostics, treatment and research.

Presentation of the Centre

The Léon Bérard Centre (CLB) is one of the 18 French Cancer Centers of the Unicancer group. It is a comprehensive cancer Center and a University Hospital involved in screening and care entirely dedicated to cancer, with three overarching aims: care, research and teaching, and the mission to offer the best quality of care to cancer patients. In 2023, the teams of the CLB treated more than 42 000 patients, mainly from the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region, but also from other areas of France, from French overseas territory and from abroad. The CLB is a reference and innovation center for frequent and rare cancers and has been selected as the coordinating center for the national network of reference centers for sarcomas and rare ovarian cancers.

Main research activities (highlighting any advancements in patient care)

Over 600 full-time researchers are working side-by-side with the medical teams and the patients to facilitate ground-breaking scientific discoveries and their applications in novel treatments.

Core Facilities (clinical or research)

Recognized as a cancer referral and treatment facility, the CLB offers a comprehensive range of care by pooling the required skills that grants patients access to the most innovative technics for diagnosis and treatment on a single site.

• 3 state-of-the art operating units
• 8 accelerators (radiotherapy)
• a Department of Clinical Research certified ISO 9001 intregrating early-stage pediatric and adult trials.
• a Translational Research Department with several shared platforms.

Education

As a University Hospital, teaching is one of its principal missions; the CLB is recognized as a Training Institute that offers training in more than twenty areas to health professionals in the field of oncology, every year.

Presentation of the Centre

Institut Paoli-Calmettes (IPC) is one of the largest university-affiliated cancer centers in France. Its priorities are the diagnosis and treatment of adult cancers, prevention, education, and basic, translational and clinical research.
IPC is involved in the management of more than 10 000 new cases of cancer each year. With 2054 staff-members, including 431 physicians and more than 300 scientists, and an annual budget of ~350 million Euros.

Main research activities

IPC carries out an integrated research program encompassing basic science, translational, clinical and socio-medical research. It hosts two research centers, the Center for Cancer Research of Marseille for biological research, and the Cancer, Biomedicine and Society team for socio medical research. Our main research programs focus on breast cancer, hematologic malignancies and pancreatic cancer.

Core facilities

IPC hosts 17 state-of-the-art technological and clinical platforms including a biobank, a department of clinical research and innovation, a data management center, a data factory, an early phase trial unit, and platforms for preclinical assays, experimental pathology, immunomonitoring, oncogenomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, drug discovery, chemo-biology and cell imaging.

Education

IPC is committed to the education and training. IPC is affiliated to the University of Aix-Marseille and runs 4 Master programs and 4 University diplomas in which 420 students were enrolled in 2023.

Presentation of the Centre

Institut Universitaire du Cancer Toulouse – Oncopole combines a centenary affiliated cancer centers in France, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, and Toulouse University Hospital oncology teams. It is strategically and physically linked to CRCT (Toulouse Cancer Research Center). This Comprehensive Cancer Center treats cancer patients, develops basic, transfer and clinical research and provides teaching. Opened 10 years ago in 2014, IUCT-Oncopole is involved in 11 113 new cases of cancer each year management. 2 175 staff-members including  191 physicians and  147 researchers are devoted to therapeutic innovation. The proximity and the pooling of platforms foster the care/research continuum

Main research activities

The CRCT (INSERM, CNRS and University) integrates research programs in 4 different fields: Cell Signaling & DNA Damage Response, RNA & Cancer, Microenvironment & Metabolism, Onco-Immunology. Its purpose is to solve problems and making discoveries through basic science that can lead to the development of anticancer agents and treatments.

Core Facilities

The innovative techniques for diagnosis and treatment at the service of patients for a global management:

• Medical oncology : 105 beds & places, oncogenetic service, MDT meetings, supportive care (therapeutic educational program, palliative care…).
• Clinical Trials: INCa-certified early phase centre by the French Cancer Institute, certified ISO 9001:2015, conducting phase I trials (part of the leading 3 national centers).
• Surgery: 65 beds & places,7 operating rooms, 50% of outpatient care for senology ; telerobotic, local cryotherapy (urology), per operative radiotherapy...
• Hematology and Internal Medicine: 100 beds & places, 150 clinical trials in progress.
• Nuclear medicine & Imaging: 18 beds & places, PET Scan, MRI, gamma cameras, 3D imaging.
• Radiotherapy: 7 accelerators (including tomotherapy), innovative techniques.
• Resuscitation unit: 12 beds
• Anatomopathology: telepathology, liquid and solid tumors, 1 000 exams/week, 2 special rooms for analyzing surgery samples quickly.
• Pharmacy:  125 000 chemotherapies/year, radiopharmacy, certified ISO 9001:2015

Education

Major changes in the practice of oncology must be taken into account and anticipated in training and teaching. This center of convergence for all disciplines represents an ideal forum for initial and continued training across the entire oncology fields.

Description of the Centre and History

The Institute comprises three University hospitals in central-west Paris: European Georges Pompidou, Cochin, and Necker-Enfants Malades. Partnered with Université Paris Cité, they excel in oncology, delivering high-quality cancer care, research, and education. Annually, it treats 8,000 new cancer patients and employ 2,500 staff, including 220 physicians & 350 researchers.

Main Research Activities

The Institute’s research is recognized as a cancer integrated research site (SIRIC CARPEM) by the French National Cancer Institute. Collaborating with 22 research teams from Université Paris Cité and 12 clinical teams, the Institute focuses on identifying biomarkers for precision medicine, integrating “omics” with immunology to tackle 21st-century oncology challenges. In 2023, the Institute published 466 papers in peer-reviewed journals (23% with an IF>10).

Core Facilities

Supported by outstanding hospital facilities (24 operating rooms, surgical robots, PET scans, MRIs), the Institute also offers advanced radiotherapy techniques, including conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy. The clinical research is robust, with 198 clinical trials initiated in 2023 and an early phase trials center accredited by the French National Cancer Institute. High-level technical research platforms in genomic, metabolism, proteomic, spatialomic, and AI/bioinformatic are available.

Education

The Institute trains over 240 medical students and 60 PhD candidates in oncology annually, with 115 university professors and lecturers involved in their education. Members have access to more than 100 oncology seminaries each year.

Presentation of the Centre

The Montpellier Cancer Institute (ICM, Montpellier, France), created in 1923 by a French authorities’ ordinance and member of the UNICANCER, has four overarching aims: patients' care, research, prevention and teaching. Facing more than 17,000 new cancer cases in the East Occitanie every year, the Institute has developed a medical and scientific strategy, with a national and international visibility, focusing on a personalized and innovative global patient management (medical, psychological and social) from cancer prevention to post-treatment follow-up. Over the years, the ICM rose at the forefront of the top-performing Comprehensive Cancer Centres for clinical, fundamental and translational research in France.

Main research activities

Research focused on the patient, spanning from fundamental biology to clinical applications, is a major founding mission of the Institute and its organized in six areas: prevention, fundamental, translational, clinical and methodological research, and human and social sciences. Over 250 researchers are working side-by-side, and with the medical teams, to progress in the fight against cancer. ICM obtained the SIRIC label (Integrated Cancer Research Center) in 2022 for the third time, from the National Cancer Institute (INCa).

Core Facilities

ICM doctors and researchers have access to state-of-the-art core facilities for the benefit of our patients. These include 1 MRIDianLinac, 6 Linear Accelerators, 9 operating rooms, 2 DaVinci surgical robot systems, 1 PET Scan, 2 MRI, 6 technical platforms (1 CyTOF, 1 Protein mass spectrometry …).

Education

Education is strongly rooted in the ICM culture and its medical/paramedical teams are actively involved in university teaching activities as well as in paramedical training courses. In 2016, the ICM has opened the “Montpellier Cancer School” to offer a variety of training opportunities in cancer-related disciplines to health-care providers and scientists.

Presentation of the Institute and history

The Cancer Institute AP-HP. Nord – Université Paris Cité is a joint venture between 7 University hospitals of Université Paris Cité, all located in the north of Great Paris area: Saint-Louis, Bichat, Beaujon, Robert-Debré, Lariboisière, Louis-Mourier and Bretonneau. They gathered their forces in all oncology fields, developing reference activities in bone marrow transplantation, cell-therapies (CAR-T) and early phase clinical trials, to provide high-level cancer care and research, as a heritage of Nobel Prize winner Prof. Jean Dausset, the discoverer of the Major Histocompatibility Complex.

Main research activities

The Cancer Institute AP-HP. Nord – Université Paris Cité gathers 13 basic research teams and 25 clinical teams participating to a rich translational and basic science research activity in oncology, dedicated to hematological malignancies, cell therapy (Saint-Louis Research Institute), and solid cancers (Research Center on Inflammation), with the rise of targeted therapies and immunotherapy, based on the use of genomics biomarkers, cell biology platforms, bio-banking, and innovative imaging techniques. Moreover, our research activity builds on the strengths of the recently granted SIRIC InsiTu, SIRIC Paris Kids Cancer and IHU THEMA-2.

Core facilities

The Cancer Institute AP-HP. Nord – Université Paris Cité relies on outstanding facilities including 94 operating rooms - including 5 surgical ambulatory rooms, 2 PET- CT, 2 PET- SCAN, 1 PET-MRI, 11 MRI, 8 gama-cameras of which 2 coupled with CT-scan, 14 scanners, 7 bronchial and digestive endoscopy wards, 7 surgical robots. The radiotherapy department covers most of the modern radiotherapy techniques. The Meary cell-therapy Center at Saint-Louis Hospital is the most important facility in France for manufacturing CART-cells, while bone marrow transplantation activity is the greatest in Paris area, and beyond, in France.

Education

The Medicine Education and Research Unit, Faculty of Health of Université Paris Cité makes transformation and educational innovation its priority at all stages of training. Several PhD programs in cancer are coordinated by the Université Paris Cité hospitals and basic science research units.

Institute’s presentation:

Professor Oscar Lambret found one of the first cancer department in the Saint-Sauveur Hospital in 1930 in Lille and the Oscar Lambret Center was found twenty five years later in 1955. It is a nonprofit institution collaborating with the different actors such as the French public healthcare system and especially the Lille University hospital Center. It is fully dedicated to oncology including the following practices: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, supportive care and surgery.

Main research activities:

Clinical research is provided by the DRCI (Research and innovation direction) which coordinates clinical trials since 2016. Clinical research policy of Oscar Lambret Center is to give access to the patients to therapeutic innovations and contribute to clinical research developed under the consortium ONCOLille. DCRI has been certified ISO9001 : 2015. This international standard for quality attests the high degree of professionalism, the proper organisation and expertise of our team. In collaboration with the Lille university hospital and Alliance Cancer, DRCI was accredited by the INca and thus obtained the CLIP quality labeling in 2014 permitting the center to conduct early phase clinical trials in adults and children (first in man). The CLIP labelling has been reobtained by the DRCI in 2019 (until 2024), which recognizes our expertise in clinical research in oncology both in adults and children.

Core Facilities

• 9 radiotherapy (latest generation equipments)
• 2 gamma cameras
• 1 PET scan
• 1 3T.MRI and 1 1,5T.MRI
• 2 CT-scans
• 227 beds and places
  • 144 beds: 82 in medicine, 44 in surgery, 10 in intensive care unit, 8 radio protected rooms
  • 83 places: 40 for chemotherapy; 11 for ambulatory surgery; 8 for paediatric ambulatory: 5 for C2S; 14 for DRCI; 1 for nuclear medicine; 4 for venous access and endoscopic exploration unit
• 7 operating theatres

Education

The Oscar Lambret center plays an active role in the training of future professionals carrying out its teaching and research mission. It offers them a wide range of undergraduate and post-graduate education to train the specialists of tomorrow.

The Oscar Lambret training institute (IFOL) permits professionals in the region and beyond to benefit from a proper professional training. More than one throusand people every day are present in the center to be trained.

Description of the Centre

The Bergonié Institute (IB) is the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, one of the 19 french CCC which belong to UNICANCER network. Together with our partner Bordeaux University Hospital Centre (CHU), we are the regional reference center for oncology in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. IB is a non-profit private hospital dedicated to public service which contributes to medical progress and international influence of research in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.

Main research activities

The research of IB is structured around labeled structures that it hosts or with which it is associated. These structures cover the main areas of research in oncology, basic, technological, clinical, translational research, in epidemiology and public health and in human and social sciences. The offer of early access to new targeted molecules for patients (early phase trials within the framework of the Labeled Center INCa of Early Phases (CLIPP)) is a major focus for the Institute.

Core Facilities

More than a thousand employees, including more than a hundred physicians, ensure various missions such as patient care, research and oncology education. On a single site, the IB offers dedicated inpatient and outpatient cancer treatment including radiotherapy and chemotherapy as well as a number of related support services.

Education

All the medical, paramedical, administrative and logistical sectors of the Institute participate in training actions oriented around oncology. In initial training, the Institute welcomes nursing students, caregivers and electroradiology technicians. The Institute also offers a continuing education program including supportive oncological care, technical care and specific oncology treatments.

Presentation of the Centre

The Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, the first dedicated cancer treatment centre in Nancy, was created in 1924 with the acquisition of a Radium source in a surgical department. A group of pathologists, radiologists and surgeons was created then developed and became one of the French Regional Cancer Center in 1946. In 1976, a new hospital was built exclusively dedicated to cancer care which now includes 99 beds and 56 places and technical platforms on a surface of 30 000 square meters. The Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine is a French Comprehensive Cancer Centre (FCCC), a non-profit health care institution, member of the UNICANCER Group. It houses all the human and technological means involved in the treatment, education and research in oncology.

Main research activities

Research is focused on clinical research, from phase I to III academic and industrial trials with 1120 studies producing 100 publications in 2023. Breast and digestive (colorectal and pancreatic) international publications are produced. for diagnostic and adaptation of the treatments. Translational research is developed by the Unit of Tumor Biology innovations with a special focus on liquid biopsies wich can improve diagnosis and treatments

Core Facilities

All techniques of diagnosis and treatment are available:

• The department of Radiotherapy is equipped with 6 linacs (35.000 fractions) including a Cyberknife and HDR-BT ans prostate seed implant facilities
• The department of Medical oncology delivers 25.000 cancer treatments, accompagned by a supportive care unit.
• The department of Surgery ( all except children and neurology) treats 3500 patients and has access
• Pathology, molecular biology, oncogenetic
• Imaging (except nuclear medicine in convention with university hospital)…

Education

Initial education is performed by professors, physicians and nurses, in medicine school, nurses schools and technicians of radiology. An e-learning school is developed as well as the participation to the virtual hospital program of the regional university of Lorraine. Over all, more then 4000 hours are dedicated for teaching courses.

Presentation of the Center

The University Cancer Center (UCT) Frankfurt was established in 2008 as a collaboration between the Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt and the Nordwest Hospital. It holds the title “Oncology Center of Excellence” by the German Cancer Aid and focuses on five key areas: multidisciplinary patient care, translational cancer research, education, outreach, and patient engagement. Since 2019, the UCT includes the University Hospital Marburg, forming a Comprehensive Cancer Center Consortium. Under the leadership of the UCT, the ONCOnnect consortium aims to improve the local outreach of all comprehensive cancer centers in Germany to ensure the best possible treatment for cancer patients close to their home.

Main Research Activities

The UCT aims to transform molecular data into new cancer treatments and conduct practice-changing clinical trials. Its five interdisciplinary research programs focus on molecular diagnostics and biomarker discovery, molecular mechanisms of cancer, preclinical models, drug development & novel therapeutic approaches, and clinical trials & outcome research. UCT Frankfurt is also a partner in the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK).

Core Facilities

UCT members have access to advanced core facilities, including cancer databases, biomaterial collections and organoid biobanks, bioinformatics, as well as clinical trial resources. Shared resources include high-end imaging, genetic screening facilities, and a GMP facility for cell therapeutics.

Education

The UCT offers interdisciplinary training for medical students, doctors, and nurses and supports young researchers such as clinician scientists or junior group leaders through various programs like the Mildred Scheel Career Center.

Description of the centre and its history

Established in 2014, the Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich (CCC Munich) is a German Cancer Aid designated Center of Excellence in Oncology. It aligns two university hospitals, the LMU Klinikum and the TUM Klinikum. This successful collaboration has resulted in well-established synergistic structures for cutting edge cancer care, excellent high-level research, outreach and education.

Main research activities

The CCC Munich has greatly expanded its expertise in the field of prevention, patient-oriented research, new medical technologies in precision medicine, molecular stratification/therapy, and immune-oncology. Ares of expertise are supported by multidisciplinary programs for bi-directional translation, proof-of-concept studies, and clinical research programs. These focus areas are further strengthened by a dedicated infrastructure for data management/artificial intelligence.

Core Facilities

An excellent and broad ranging spectrum of techniques, specialized centers and equipment is provided such as: phase I/II units, a clinical trial center, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, translational cancer research, a Center of Organoid Systems and Tissue Engineering, facilities for bioimaging and bioinformatics and a GMP Facility.

Education

With the aim of improving access to education and training at the highest academic level, the CCC Munich offers numerous education and qualification programs for the general population, patients, students and HCPs.

Presentation of the Centre

The Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) aims to significantly improve the care of all cancer patients in Bavaria, a state in the southeast of Germany. In the BZKF the six Bavarian University Hospitals, their respective Universities as well as their associated Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC) have joined forces to form a strong network. The six sites in Augsburg, Erlangen, Munich (Ludwig-Maximilians-University and Technical University of Munich), Regensburg and Würzburg are closely working together, sharing their expertise, findings and resources.

Main research activities and core facilities

The BZKF has been pursuing the goal of translating innovative therapeutic approaches from cancer research into rapid clinical application. Here lies a focus on conducting clinical trials and studies collectively across all six sites in Bavaria, supported by a joint BZKF study contract template. To this end, clinical trials and studies on numerous tumor entities have been established, providing patients access to the best possible, newest and innovative therapies. The structures created within the BZKF also enable us to optimally interact with pharmaceutical as well as medical device industries, strengthening Bavaria as a location for business and innovation. In addition to developing new treatment methods for cancer, the BZKF also focus on cancer prevention, diagnostics, therapy and public information. The free telephone service PublicCancerHotline for example, helps those affected with questions on the subject of cancer. Together, the BZKF supports every step from bench to bedside, enabling patients to receive the best possible care.

Presentation of the Centre

The General Cancer Hospital of Piraeus “METAXA” is managed by the National Health System of Greece, and it is a public law entity supervised and funded by the Greek Ministry of Health. The core competence of “METAXA” is to promote, raise and coordinate high quality care, diagnosis and treatment to all Greek patients regardless of the racial, social, and financial status. We seek to operate as a modern Oncology Hospital that fully meets the needs of its patients and provides specialized services of primary, secondary and tertiary health care to the oncology patient.

Core facilities

Our cornerstone is the improvement of the functionality of the Hospital through the implementation of quality systems for the modernization of the provided services such as:

• DA VINCI robotic surgery system. We are the only public hospital in Greece that has a Da Vinci robotic system.
• Quality Management System: A Quality Management System, adapted to the requirements of the International Standard ISO 9001:2015, in the following departments: Blood donation unit, Day care unit, Homecare Clinic, Emergency department, Radiology department and administrative admission office. Within the first trimester of 2024 is scheduled the installation of ISO 15224:2017 in: Gastroenterological Endoscopy Clinic, Department of Oncology Megatherapy, Hematology Clinic, Surgical Clinic, Department of Anesthesiology
• Investigation trials and studies: For the year 2023 had been carried out 28 investigation trials and studies.

Presentation of the Centre

Landspítali University Hospital is the largest healthcare facility in Iceland and provides general hospital service for those who live in the Reykjavík area, and tertiary care for the entire nation. The total population in Iceland is 400.000 inhabitants, two thirds of them living in Reykjavík capital area, where Landspítali is located. Landspítali is the main provider of cancer services in Iceland for both children and adults. Each year, Landspítali serves more than 330.000 individuals on an outpatient basis and admits more than 26.000 patients.

Main Research Activities at Landspitali

Landspítali is the only University hospital in Iceland and has a collaborative agreement with the Univeristy of Iceland as well as joint positions for faculty. There is both clinical and basic cancer reserach at Landspitali, and faculty at Landspitali collaborate with both national and international scientists. Landspitali has recently joined in two EU4Health projects.

Core Facilities at Landspitali

Landspítali is structured into six clinical sections. Emergency, Internal medicine and Rehabilitation services. Cardiovascular, Ophthalmology and Cancer services. Surgical, Perioperative and Intensive services. Women´s and Children´s services. Mental health services. Clinical Laboratory and Support services. Total of 650 hospital beds. 21 operating rooms and 16 intensive care beds. At Landspítali we have 40 medical specialties, including oncology, hematology, palliative medicine and radiotherapy. Landspítali hosts several multidisciplinary cancer teams specializing in areas such as pediatric cancer, breast, gastroenterology, urology, pulmonology, head and neck cancers and a specialized steam cell team. Within the oncology service Landspítali has 44 inpatient beds, 18.000 chemotherapy visits, 13.000 radiotherapy visits, and 20.000 palliative home care visits. The radiotherapy unit is equipped with two modern linear accelerators capable of IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, RMS, and brachytherapy.

Education

Landspítali is the University hospital of Iceland. It provides undergraduate and postgraduate education in collaboration with the Universtity of Iceland and University of Akureyri.

Presentation of the Centre

The Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute integrates the long tradition of outstanding comprehensive cancer care delivered at Ireland’s largest academic health campus at St. James’s Hospital in central Dublin. In 2016, Trinity College Dublin and St. James’s Hospital established a joint initiative to develop the Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, bringing together the unique and complementary attributes of both institutions in the field of cancer.

Main research activities

Research at the Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute is an integrated, thematic programme which involves fundamental science, translational medicine, health economics and planning, and global health. Our research strategy builds on existing strengths and integrates key research areas across 4 main themes, namely cancer prevention, molecular and precision oncology, cancer immunology and cancer survivorship and supportive care. Clinical research spans the breadth of these 4 themes and results in a horizontally and vertically interwoven, multidisciplinary, vibrant cancer research network based on the infrastructure provided by the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Smurfit Institute for Genetics, CRANN and Trinity Translational Medicine Institute.

Core Facilities

Primary core facilities exist at the Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute – comprising Biosafety facilities, The Irish National Centre for High Content Screening and Analysis, Bioresource units and Laboratory for Characterisation of Advanced Biological Materials in addition to the Centre for Advanced Medical Imaging, and the Wellcome Trust – HRB Clinical Research Facility.

Education

The Institute provides extensive education programmes in Translational Oncology for undergraduate and postgraduate students, scientists, clinicians, nurses, healthcare professionals and allied healthcare workers. These programmes are also designed to engage with public-patient involvement (PPI activities). The Institute offers scholarships and fellowship opportunities in clinical and translational research and directs a career development programme for young investigators.

Presentation of the Centre

Cork University Hospital (CUH), supported by its’ academic partner University College Cork (UCC), is one of the largest university teaching hospitals in Ireland and the largest National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) designated cancer centre in the South of Ireland. The CUH/UCC Cancer Centre provides high-quality care for patients at risk of and diagnosed with cancer, serving a wider population of approximately 1.1 million. The centre treats all major cancer subtypes and is one of only two cancer centres nationally managing surgical care of hepatobiliary/pancreatic and central nervous system tumours.

Core Facilities

Core clinical facilities include inpatient, outpatient and chemotherapy day ward services, alongside surgery and a state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology Centre - one of the largest single-site facilities in Ireland. Multidisciplinary diagnostics are embedded in cancer services and supported by dedicated nursing, allied health, and psycho-oncology teams.

Research and Education

All aspects of cancer prevention and clinical care are integrated with innovative research, education, and training to advance the quality of patient care. CUH houses a robust cancer clinical trials unit (Cancer Trials Cork, site of the UCC Cancer Trials Group) to ensure access to novel diagnostics and therapies for patients with cancer. The broad portfolio encompasses phase I-III therapeutic trials in haematologic/solid malignancies, radiation therapy and surgery; including academic collaborative trials via Cancer Trials Ireland and industry trials, with a developing portfolio of patient-focused investigator-initiated trials. Clinical and translational research currently spans the areas of cancer biology, the microbiome, synthetic biology, precision oncology clinical trials and cancer outcomes research including an expanding portfolio of studies in the cancer survivorship space.

Presentation of the Centre

CRO - Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) opened in 1984 and accredited by the Italian Ministry of Health in 1990 - is a public, no-profit institute that operates under the authority of the Italian Ministry of Health for the clinical & experimental research functions and under the governance of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region for patients’ care.

Main research activity

The current research activity at CRO is based on five lines which are consistent with the Institute’s objectives, i.e. translational research in oncology and precision medicine, mainly preclinical. The lines are:

• Tumor genetics and biology
• Tumor epidemiology, prevention and health big data
• Lympho-hematologic neoplasias
• Solid tumors

Core Facilities

• Pharmacogenomics
• Proteomics
• Flow cytometry
• Biobanking
• Centralized clinical trials office
• Genomics
• Animal Facility
• In vitro and in vivo imaging

Education

Collaborations with the Universities of Trieste, Udine and others allow the presence at CRO of residents in medical oncology and other relevant disciplines and PhD students. Students can find hospitality in the nearby Campus that also hosts educational facilities.

The Director’s Preface

The IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRE) is the largest Comprehensive Cancer Centre in central Italy, and is renowned for its excellence in the study and treatment of various cancers. IRE's main research objective is the translational management of cancer, which ensures patient-centered care

Description of the Centre and its History

IRE was established in 1933 and was nominated an IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico - Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare) for the first time in 1938 and was very recently reconfirmed the title of IRCCS in June 2024. IRE performs around 10.000 surgeries annually, including 1.300 robotic surgeries. It has more than 1.500 staff members, comprising of researchers, physicians, nurses and administration personnel. It is composed of two departments: the Department of Clinical and Oncological Research and the Department of Research and Advanced Technologies.

Main Research Activities

Every year IRE publishes more than 400 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, with approximately 10% of them in journals with an IF > 10 in the last few years. IRE is also greatly involved in clinical trials. In 2023, there were a total of 412 open clinical trials, of which 170 were interventional and 242 observational. In 2020, IRE established seven Translational Research Interest Groups (TRIGs) with the aim to enhance the collaboration between clinical and laboratory investigators on specific research themes. In 2018, the institute also established an Institutional Molecular Tumor Board, the first one in Italy. IRE collaborates with several universities and research centers in Rome as well as on a national and international level. Its research is supported mainly by funds granted from the Italian Ministry of Health, the Italian Ministry of University and Research, AIRC, Lazio Region and EC.

Core Facilities

IRE's Personalized Medicine includes Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) diagnostics and advanced facilities for performing accurate analyses. The Bioinformatics Group interprets data from various sequencing and epigenomic studies, utilizing High-Performance Computing environments. The Biobank collects, stores, and distributes human biological materials for research. Quite recently, a central facility for Tumor Organoid generation, molecular characterization and drug testing has been established.

Education

Recognized by AGENAS, IRE provides Continuing Medical Education (CME) through residential, field training, and distant learning methodologies.

Presentation of the Centre

The Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV) is a highly specialized research and care provider in Oncology. It specializes in the diagnosis and both standard and experimental treatment of all types of oncologic diseases, including rare and hematologic diseases. Patients with primary, recurrent, and metastatic conditions are managed according to national and international guidelines using the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Specific attention is dedicated to end-of-life treatment and patient-centered care, following a multidisciplinary approach. In addition, IOV is an active research player at the international level. Its clinicians/researchers collaborate with the most important European and international cancer organizations and pharmaceutical companies. It is an accredited member of the European Rare Adult Solid Cancers Network (EURACAN). IOV is the clinical hub of the Veneto Regional Oncology Network.

Core Facilities

Inpatient facilities that comprise oncology wards including end-of-life dedicated unit Advanced radiological diagnostics facility High-tech and robotic surgical facilities High-tech Radiation therapy. Molecular Oncology laboratories evaluating circulating tumor cells and somatic genomic testing for both diagnostic and research purposes. Animal facility.

Main research activities

Fundamental and translational research; Tumor immunology; Clinical and translational research and innovative therapies; New logistic care models: Diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic pathways with related performance indicators.

Education

The Institute is an official training provider recognized by the Veneto Region. It offers regular training opportunities to the clinical staff and researchers. In collaboration with the Padova University regularly hosts clinicians engaged in residency programs in oncology and PhD students graduating from PhD programs in the Oncology area.

Presentation of the Centre

The Institute of Candiolo is a specialized center for cancer treatment and research, recognized as a scientific research hospital by the Italian Ministry of Health since 2013. The Institute’s mission is to make a significant contribution in cure and research in cancer care, through a multidisciplinary approach, teams of specialists with consolidated experience and expertise and close links between research and clinical units, facilitating rapid transfer of research results into clinical practice.

Main research activities

The Institute’s research activities cover a broad spectrum of activities focused on: (i) translational, preclinical and clinical cancer research (profit and no profit trials, phase I-IV); ii) promoting the rapid translation of research findings into clinical practice; (iii) developing and implementing the latest diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using state-of-the-art technologies; (iv) contributing to the early diagnosis and prevention of cancer by identifying underlying genetic or environmental factors.

Core Facilities

• Oncogenomics
• Single cells
• Oncology Imaging
• Flow Cytometry
• Xenopatients
• Experimental Pathology
• Cell Culture
• Gene Transfer Technology
• Clinical Research Unit

Education

The Institute has a framework agreement with the University of Torino and is host to several medical faculty professionals.

Presentation of the Centre

ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia (ASST Brescia, founded in 1427), is one of the largest hospitals in Europe with up to 7000 employees. It is a public general hospital, affiliated with the University of Brescia Medical School, and accredited by Regional Health System of Regione Lombardia. It is structured with a Main Campus, located in Brescia, two Satellite Hospitals, and Health Districts devoted to territorial medical care.

Main research activities

Translational research studies, related to both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, are being conducted, focusing on the interaction of the tumor clone and the surrounding microenvironment, development of non-invasive techniques for early tumor detection, clonal evolution, impact of anti-neoplastic drugs on bone and body composition, pre-clinical novel drug and radiation/drug interaction validation, to cite a few. The research mentioned above is the result of ASST Brescia sponsored studies, funded by national and international/EU competitive calls. ASST Brescia has participated to a total of n. 1.971 clinical trials (2019-2023). Dedicated Phase I Units allow pediatric and adult patients to be enrolled in phase I studies. ASST Brescia has been selected as Member the European Reference Networks: EuroBloodNet, EURACAN.

Core facilities

• Medical Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Robotic Surgery, Surgery
• Radiology Imaging, Nuclear Medicine
• Palliative care
• Central Pharmacy
• IT Service
• Phase I Unit
• Next generation flow cytometry
• DNA sequencing
• Mass spectrometry
• Molecular pathology
• Clinical Trial Center/Grant Office
• Zebrafish and in vivo animal facility
• Confocal imaging

Education

ASST-BS is affiliated with the University of Brescia Medical School, thus hosting MD students, Residents, Master and PhD students A large portfolio of education and training programs at a post graduated level is offered to health care professionals, including biologists, lab technicians, MDs, nurses , pharmacists, radiation therapy and radiology technologists. National programs for Continuous Medical Education are constantly activated

Presentation of the Centre

The IRST Cancer Institute in Romagna, Italy, founded in 2007 by Prof. Dino Amadori, is a leading centre for cancer research and treatment. Renowned for its innovative approaches and clinical programs, IRST specializes in preclinical research and education, advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer. IRST offers a range of complex clinical services, including Radiometabolic Therapy, Radiotherapy, Advanced Medicinal Products (Somatic Cells and Gene Therapies), and Immunotherapy. Its Precision Medicine Programs tailor treatments to patients' tumors’ molecular characteristics. IRST collaborates with public Health Authorities, the University of Bologna, and the Istituto Oncologico Romagnolo (IOR), integrating into Italy’s National Health Service. It leads the Comprehensive Cancer Care Network with AUSL Romagna to enhance cancer care regionally.

Main research activities

Key research areas include:

• Advanced Biomolecular Diagnostics: Enhancing personalized treatment strategies.
• Appropriateness and Outcomes: Optimizing diagnostic-therapeutic pathways.
• Innovative Therapies: Conducting trials and developing novel therapeutic approaches.
• Precision Medicine: Studying genetic and molecular mechanisms for personalized treatment.
• Genetics and Environment: Exploring tumor progression and environmental interactions.

Research Infrastructure and Core Facilities

The institute boasts a comprehensive research infrastructure essential for promoting, conducting, and evaluating cancer care, serving also as a Contract Research Organization (CRO) for external studies. Key facilities include:

• Biosciences and Radiobiology Laboratories
• Flow Cytometry and DNA Sequencing Facilities
• Cell Factory (Somatic Cell Therapy Laboratory)
• Immuno-gene Therapy and Research Factory
• Biological Resource Center and Biobank
• Radiopharmaceutical Production and Antiblastics Laboratories
• Medical Physics Laboratory and IT Services
• Epidemiology and Cancer Registry Unit
• Outcome Research and Data Unit
• Biostatistics, and Clinical Trials Unit
• Research and Innovation Unit

Clinical and Support Services

• Radiometabolic Medicine
• Advanced Imaging 
• Integrative medicine
• Rare tumors and Osteoncology Center
• Genetic Counseling

Education

Since July 2024, a University-directed Medical Oncology Unit (University of Bologna) has been created at IRCCS IRST

Presentation of the Centre

The KHCC is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit institution founded in 1997 by a Royal Decree to fight cancer in Jordan and the Middle East Region. As an internationally-accredited comprehensive cancer care & research centre, it provides adult and paediatric patients with more advanced care for all types of tumours. KHCC with more than 3,000 employees, and treating over 65% of cancer cases in Jordan, is considered the largest oncology service provider.

Main Research Activities

Research at KHCC has made significant strides in the last few years both in terms of quantity and quality. In 2023, 181 research applications were submitted by KHCC researchers. There are currently 32 ongoing clinical trials addressing patients with grim prognoses and incorporating novel biomarker-driven treatments that may not be available outside the research setting. In 2023, 22.6 % of new patients were enrolled in interventional prospective clinical studies (drug-based and other). 243 scientific publications, including book chapters, reviews, case reports and research papers were published in 2023. Through dedicated efforts with key stakeholders at national, regional and international levels, coupled with strategic institutional directions, these achievements will continue to grow.

Core Facilities

The KHCC campus has a 352 bed capacity. It is staffed and equipped to provide a comprehensive range of oncology services from traditional chemotherapy to cutting-edge intra-operative MRI-guided neurosurgery. The KHCC provides advanced radiotherapy, surgery, and bone marrow transplant services.

Education

KHCC offers accredited academic oncology programmes and training opportunities to students, residents, and fellows. Through partnering with the University of Jordan, KHCC uniquely offers a Master’s degree in Cancer Care Informatics and 9 diploma programmes. These include pain management, oncology nursing, palliative & supportive care and tobacco control.

Presentation of the Centre

Riga East University Hospital (REUH) is the largest emergency multi-profile healthcare institution in Latvia. It encompasses a wide range of specialized fields, including: microsurgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, bedsore treatment, toxicology and sepsis, polytrauma, burn and frost-bite treatment, stem cell transplantation, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS treatment, oncology patients’ treatment. REUH is notable for treating approximately 85% of solitary tumours and 98% of onco-haematology patients in Latvia.

Main research activities

REUH is actively engaged in clinical research and academic activities, positioning itself as a central hub for scientific studies and collaboration. The hospital's Science Department plays a crucial role in supporting and ensuring compliance with clinical research projects.

Core Facilities

REUH comprises five clinical centres, where cancer patients are treated, thus providing a comprehensive array of services, including: oncological surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and haematology (including transplantation), diagnostic radiology and pathology, pharmacy, rehabilitation, palliative care.

Education

Education is a high priority at REUH, which is dedicated to the training of: medical students, postgraduate residents, doctors, PhD students, cancer nursing staff, radiotherapy personnel. This commitment ensures that REUH not only provides top-tier medical care but also fosters the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers.

Presentation of the Centre

Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (VUH SK) , founded in 1980 by Vilnius University and the Lithuanian Ministry of Health, is a leading healthcare and research institution in the Baltic States. It has over 36 specialized medical centers, including several focused on cancer care and research. For VUH SK, a large multidisciplinary healthcare and education institution, maintaining high standards in cancer care and advancing oncology research is essential.

Main research activities

VUH SK focuses on clinical trials for advanced therapies in adult and pediatric blood cancer, including cellular therapies and minimally invasive surgical and transplantation techniques. The hospital also emphasizes precision medicine using AI and digital pathology. VUH SK is involved in a broad range of clinical trials (phases I-IV) and European research projects.

Core Facilities

At VUH SK, patients have access to advanced cancer diagnostics, state-of-the-art treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and transplantation, biobanking services and comprehensive care for cancer comorbidities.

Education

VUH SK is a prominent university hospital dedicated to training medical professionals across all career stages. It offers extensive resources for undergraduate education, residency programs, , as well as doctoral and postdoctoral research, making it a central hub for medical learning and development.