Policy brief – cancer research in Belgium

TL;DR

Belgium needs better coordination in cancer research to improve patient outcomes and maintain competitiveness in innovative care.

Contribution

The proposal of the Belgian Cancer Research Alliance (BeCRA) to enhance coordination and collaboration in cancer research.

Findings

Belgium has a strong track record in cancer research but struggles with translating results into patient care.

Fragmentation and lack of interdisciplinary collaboration hinder progress in cancer research.

Improved coordination and regulatory streamlining are needed to maintain Belgium's attractiveness in cancer research.

Abstract

Research is central to achieving Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and is the key focus of the European Commission’s Mission on Cancer. To successfully tackle the challenges we face in cancer research, a coordinated effort of the entire Belgian scientific community is needed. It is for this reason the Belgian Cancer Research Alliance was proposed. The aim of BeCRA is to bring together various Belgian research institutes and associated care institutions and position them optimally at the EU level, with respect to the many research initiatives launched in the EBCP within the EU4Health program, the Mission on Cancer, Digital Europe programs and other EU projects. Members of BeCRA collaboratively plan the participation in certain cancer research activities to ensure optimal use of investment and sustained excellence of Belgian cancer research. Belgium cancer research has an excellent track record in fundamental, translational research and phase I, II, III clinical trials. However, translating outcomes from research to patients in the Belgian healthcare system has been less successful. Gaps in the collaboration between actors in the research field, have led to fragmentation hampering the development of fundamental and translational research. Moreover, actors from multi-disciplinary background, such as behavioural or psycho-social fields, are not systematically included in cancer research. More efficient coordination between the aforementioned actors is necessary. Academic hospitals and universities should be incentivized to collaborate across regions, as well as to put sufficient focus on research activities with a virtuous spiral ("bed-to bench" and "bench to bed" process), while supporting researchers focusing on patient-driven research. There is an urgent need for Belgium to determine how best to ensure it remains an attractive market so that patients have access to innovative care. This could include streamlining regulatory complexity, while establishing lean and harmonized clinical trial designs, procedures and networks.