The DE-ESCALATE Experience
From 29 September to 1 October 2026, “5 Years EU Cancer Mission: Stronger Through Connection” brought together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, patient representatives and other stakeholders in Brussels, Belgium. Organised by the European Commission, the event marked five years of the EU Cancer Mission, providing an opportunity to reflect on progress and discuss the path towards its 2030 objectives.
Representing the DE-ESCALATE consortium, Stéphane Lejeune and Caroline Moulins from EORTC and Marcell Csanádi from Syreon Research Institute attended the event alongside the LEGATO and STREXIT2 projects, showcasing their contributions to European cancer research and connecting with fellow EU-funded initiatives.
Three days of discussions on the future of cancer research and care
The three-day programme explored how research, innovation and policy can work together to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life across Europe.
The first day focused on the importance of cancer data, including the development of a connected European cancer data ecosystem, improved data sharing, cancer imaging and artificial intelligence, and data-driven tools for precision oncology.
The second day addressed prevention and early detection, alongside quality of life, survivorship and palliative care. Sessions explored patient engagement, holistic care models and opportunities to translate research into solutions that respond to patients’ needs.
The final day focused on innovation in cancer diagnosis and treatment, including personalised and affordable care. The programme also featured a Rare Cancer Forum and a session dedicated to the impact of clinical research within the EU Cancer Mission.
Throughout the event, project showcases and networking opportunities provided space for participants to present their work and connect with other initiatives.
A rare opportunity to strengthen connections across European projects
One of the most valuable aspects of the event was the rare opportunity to bring together representatives of so many EU-funded cancer research projects in one place.
While these initiatives contribute to shared European objectives, opportunities for their representatives to meet face-to-face on such a scale are uncommon. The event therefore provided an especially valuable environment for networking, exchanging experiences, learning from different research approaches and establishing connections that could support future collaborations.
For DE-ESCALATE, participation offered an opportunity to showcase the project’s work while connecting with other initiatives addressing challenges across the cancer research and care continuum.
DE-ESCALATE’s progress across Europe
As part of the EU Cancer Mission, DE-ESCALATE is contributing to the advancement of patient-centred cancer research through an international phase III clinical trial investigating intermittent intensified androgen deprivation treatment (iADT) for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The study aims to determine whether planned treatment breaks can reduce side effects and improve patients’ quality of life without compromising treatment effectiveness.
As of 13 September 2026, 451 participants had been enrolled in the study, with 109 active clinical sites across 11 European countries, representing more than 28% of its target of 1,600. Each participant contributes to building the evidence needed to understand whether a less burdensome treatment approach could be a viable option for patients in the future.
(Recruitment is ongoing, and participant numbers may have increased since the last update on 13 September 2026.)
Stronger Together: Building Lasting Impact
A key message from the event was that EU-funded research projects should not be viewed as isolated initiatives, but as part of a broader European strategy. Their long-term impact depends not only on individual achievements, but also on sustaining research outcomes, partnerships and collaborations beyond their funding periods. The event reinforced the importance of connecting projects, sharing knowledge and working towards common goals.
The DE-ESCALATE consortium thanks the organisers and fellow participants for the valuable exchanges and looks forward to building on these connections to advance cancer research and care across Europe.
Find pitches, presentations, posters, recordings and more pictures here.
Photo credit: Cancermission2026©European Commission
