EATRIS is proud to announce its participation in the European Union’s Health Policy Platform (HPP) Thematic Network, “Advancing Precision Medicine for Europe’s Cancer Patients with AI-powered Imaging.” This network is part of a collaborative effort to transform cancer care in Europe through the use of AI-driven data analysis and imaging technologies.
Launched in July 2024, this temporary network will run until November 2024, aiming to enable healthcare professionals to analyse vast amounts of patient data more efficiently and accurately. This effort aligns with the European Cancer Imaging Initiative (EUCAIM), which seeks to improve personalised treatment strategies and combat cancer more effectively. This initiative is an important one as projections suggest cancer could become the leading cause of death in Europe by 2035, with a 25% increase in cancer-related deaths if no action is taken.
EATRIS is joining a multi-disciplinary group of stakeholders to explore how AI and digital health technologies can revolutionise cancer diagnostics and care. As part of this initiative, the network will host webinars, workshops, and educational activities focused on the interoperability of AI tools, quality assurance, and patient trust in AI-powered healthcare. Importantly, patient representatives will also be involved to ensure that AI solutions address their needs.
By November 2024, the Thematic Network will issue a joint statement outlining recommendations for the integration of AI in cancer care and discussing the impact of recent EU legislation, including the AI Act and the European Health Data Space (EHDS). The network’s findings will help shape the future of cancer treatment in Europe, harnessing cutting-edge AI and digital health solutions to fight the disease more effectively.
Prof. Regina Beets-Tan, Scientific Director of the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR) and a member of the Thematic Network’s core team, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating: “In 2020 alone, 2.7 million EU citizens were diagnosed with cancer. Without decisive action, cancer could become the leading cause of death in Europe by 2035. The launch of this network provides a unique opportunity to invite health stakeholders to join the discussion and define actions needed to advance the adoption of AI-powered solutions in cancer care.”
This collaboration marks a critical step in leveraging AI to reduce the burden of cancer across Europe and improve outcomes for patients.
For more information about the network, see here.
