Cancer is a mounting human and economic issue globally, and the structuring of translational cancer research has the potential to alter this trajectory. The closer integration of cancer research and healthcare will promote innovation, reduce disparities in access to therapeutics/care, and bolster prevention. The increasing knowledge of cancer biology in the latter part of the 20th century has set the stage for translational research, covering all therapeutics/care and prevention strategies. The increasing complexity of basic/preclinical research also necessitates more advanced infrastructures for clinical research, and the concept of a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) is pivotal in this regard. CCCs play a crucial role in integrating healthcare activities with research and education, thereby advancing cancer research and treatment.
The Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the European Academy of Cancer Sciences (EACS) prioritize addressing critical global issues. Their policy work in cancer research is of significant global relevance, with the potential to bring about positive change and impact lives worldwide. This conference aims to further analyse and discuss how to structure translational cancer research in order to reach all patients in diverse geographic areas, mitigate inequalities, and increase access to the critical mass of patients and the biological information required for translational cancer research. The previous Vatican Conference discussed the need to improve the integration of basic/preclinical and clinical researchers. The ultimate goal is the development of evidence-based and cost-effective prevention and therapeutics/care, offering hope for a better quality of life perspective for cancer patients.