COMPREHENSIVE CANCER INFRASTRUCTURES 4 EUROPE

Project Information

CCI4EU

Grant agreement ID: 101103746

DOI

10.3030/101103746

Project closed

EC signature date 24 April 2023

Start date 1 May 2023

End date 30 April 2026

Funded under

• Health

Total cost

€ 9 984 080,00

EU contribution

€ 9 984 080,00

Coordinated by

ORGANISATION OF EUROPEAN CANCER INSTITUTES
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - CCI4EU (COMPREHENSIVE CANCER INFRASTRUCTURES 4 EUROPE)

Reporting period: 2023-05-01 to 2024-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Europe, with cases expected to rise by 25% by 2035. Significant disparities in access to research, innovation, and quality care persist between and within countries. Solutions include increasing knowledge through research funding and equitable application of existing knowledge. Comprehensive Cancer Centers and Networks can anchor CCIs to deliver quality care and integrate research, care, and education. Many Member States lack CCIs or exhibit varying maturity levels. A European initiative using a tailored capacity-building program (CBP) will reduce inequalities, aligned with projects like CRANE, JANE, and UNCAN. The CBP will address individuals, institutions, and systems, fostering improvements through tailored interventions, online courses, onsite support, and sustained development. National focal points will ensure alignment between the CSA, the EC, and Member States

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

O1: To finalize a standardized matrix of cancer research/care performance indicators and a CCI Maturity Model (CCI MM) for analyzing CCIs across the EU.
A set of quality criteria was developed to assess (potential) CCIs in Member States (MS) and embedded into a Maturity Model (MM). This tool evaluates maturity, categorizes CCIs by type, size, and maturity level, and maps their maturity across the EU. The MM Web Tool was created to visualize these results at individual and aggregate levels.
O2: To map CCI maturity across all EU MSs and cluster them accordingly.
An in-depth screening of cancer network profiles was performed, followed by an online survey (M12–M13) completed by 39 CCIs across MSs. Using the MM, CCIs were analyzed and clustered (M14), identifying 12 for tailored interventions, prioritizing those in central/eastern Europe requesting such support.
O3: To plan a tailored CB program for CCIs, with a focus on low-maturity CCIs in underrepresented regions.
A CB foundation program (indexed to the MM) and a tailored CB program for selected Deep Dive Sites were designed. The foundation program includes 210 validated materials, while the tailored program adapts to specific site needs, refined during initial visits. In M14, 10 Deep Dives, one limited intervention, and a scoping exercise (PL) were selected through expert review.
O4: To identify and coach experts for tailored CB interventions and conferences.
98 oncology experts were selected by M11 and assigned to Deep Dive sites (8–10 experts per site). An orientation webinar (May 2024) and Coaching Conference (Sept 2024) prepared them for consultancy roles. A Capacity Building Conference in Warsaw (Oct 2024) attracted 100 delegates, mainly from Central and Eastern Europe, with positive evaluations.
O5: To execute the CB program and report on outcomes.
The first Deep Dive site visits have been scheduled (M18), contracts issued, and teams are preparing with requested data.
O6: To disseminate lessons learned and best practices.
Efforts include a Stakeholder webinar (Sept 2024) with 219 participants, conference lectures, newsletters, and social media campaigns

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

During the first reporting period, key results include:
1. Over 200 validated materials added to the online Resource Centre.
2. A Foundational Programme designed for all MSs, with Deep Dives, online courses, and regional conferences planned and evaluation frameworks developed.
3. Impact evaluations pending, using the Global Efficacy Score.

Economic results:
1. Innovative growth: 32 Use Cases, ranging from screening to surgical oncology, were presented at the first regional conference, attracting valuable input.
2. Job creation: Over 220 staff trained via online courses and 98 face-to-face at the first regional conference.
3. Investment in R&I: While pharma hasn’t participated yet, future online courses will involve them, and agencies like EMA have provided training.
Societal results:
1. Policy alignment: Outputs align with the EBCP and Cancer Mission, prioritizing central and eastern EU Member States.
2. Impact delivery: The Maturity Model enables measurement of CCI maturity and progress.
3. R&I uptake: Patient involvement has been limited but will increase during Deep Dives and online courses.

CCI4EU Consortium - GAM 2024