EORTC
URL: http://www.eortc.be
Contacts: Stéphane Lejeune
The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) network is composed by more than 2000 members mainly trials investigators coming from 450 institutions located in 38 countries. The network is structured in 26 Disease/ Treatment Oriented Groups and 4 Tasks Forces. These groups are bringing together experts (clinicians and scientists) on an international multidisciplinary platform. Every year about 6000 new patients are recruited in EORTC trials.
The EORTC Data Center is a unique central facility in Europe that offers a comprehensive approach to the management of cancer clinical trials and methodological research. The EORTC Data Center provides expertise in various area’s such as: Protocol development and Case Report Form development; Data management; Statistical analysis; Regulatory issues; Ethical and legal issues; Pharmacovigilance; Informatics for management of large data bases; European Commission funded projects; Education of researchers. The Data Center staff is constituted by highly experienced and trained professionals. The staff is structured in teams (Coordinating Physician, Statistician, Data Manager) attached to each Disease / treatment Oriented Group.
The EORTC represents a quality label. The EORTC has more than 40 years of excellence in the field of clinical trials in cancer. The EORTC is the research group that detains the biggest publication record worldwide in the area of cancer clinical trials. The EORTC Drugs Master File is registered with the US Federal Drugs Agency. The activities of the EORTC are peer reviewed by the US National Cancer Institute. In order to ensure a high level quality of science, the EORTC has developed so far 13 Standard Operating Policies and 42 Working Procedures on the basis of the ISO 9000 concept. The Data Center Staff are undertaking regular training on SOPs.
Between 1986 and 1990, the EORTC Data Center has received the support of the European Commission (EC) for the coordination of high-quality clinical research in oncology in Europe and for the establishment of a comprehensive quality assurance program. In the nineties, the EC has provided its support to research projects including quality of life assessment, leukemia research, supportive care, telematics, biological response modifiers, pharmacokinetics, cost evaluation of treatment, meta-analysis of cancer clinical studies, fellowships. Under the 5th Framework Program, the Tumor Bank Unit started successful participation to the “European Human Frozen Tumor Tissue Bank - TubaFrost" project. In 2002, the EORTC started the coordination of the project “Concerted Action for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Assessment in the Cancer Field - CAM-CANCER". In 2004, the EORTC is a consortium partner of the FP6 Network of Excellence project “Translating molecular knowledge into early breast cancer management: building on the BIG network for improved treatment tailoring- TRANSBIG". In addition, the EORTC is maintaining close contact with the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA).
