Limitations of cancer care in Central and South-Eastern Europe: results of the international conference organized by the Central European Cooperative Oncology Group (CECOG)

Profound disparities in cancer incidence and treatment outcomes, as well as accessibility of innovative EMA approved medications and technologies exist between Central, Eastern and South-Eastern (CEE) European countries and neighbouring Western European (WE) countries. An international expert conference was held to discuss the current situation regarding the availability and affordability of innovative anti-cancer drugs in CEE, to define shortcomings in cancer care and to specify possible solutions to overcome the lack of access to anti-cancer medications in the region. Consequently, all experts agreed that national prevention programs targeting smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption, and cancer screening programmes should be widely implemented in CEE countries. Considering limited healthcare resources in most CEE countries, an efficient allocation in a more structured way with clear cancer patient pathways to contain costs is needed. Also, more rapid reimbursement decisions and introduction of novel drugs in routine clinical practice, along with better access to clinical trials, are needed. There was consensus that higher investments into cancer care and more organized, value-oriented application of novel diagnostic and treatment approaches are necessary. Furthermore, it was suggested that patient organisations should be more involved in cancer research, clinical research and reimbursement processes. Postulated were also higher investments into cancer care and more organized, value-oriented application of novel diagnostic and treatment approaches.