Current Status
Lymphoma is the sixth cancer in terms of incidence (with around 70 000 new cases a year in Europe) and, despite the introduction of new therapies in the last 10 years, it remains an absolutely devastating disease. Inequality with respect to access to care for patients afflicted with lymphoma does exist between the different European countries. This inequality is particularly linked to the complexity and heterogeneity of this cancer, with certain rare subtypes remaining poorly or barely known by too many health professionals and, thus quite difficult to treat.
In each European country, academic groups are actively working on research on lymphoma. Yet, while these groups do at times come together, no true common strategy has enabled them, up until today, to approach this issue jointly.
Catalyst of Exchanges and Source of Progress
ELI stems from innovative research, and the thought given to this area has led to the creation of the first network of exchanges, collaboration and European coordination dedicated to lymphoma.
Such cross-functional European collaboration shall help improve knowledge, the sharing of successful experiences and offer all patients equally effective care.
The studies conducted on the initiative of ELI will also contribute to harmonising regulatory texts on clinical research within the European Union.
Organisational Model
The ELI model is broadly inspired by the operating principles used within LYSARC – The LYmphoma Academic Research Organisation.
– A group of first-rate European scientific experts leading research strategies, the research topics are determined by way of workshops that regroup approximately 50 specialists. The objectives of these workshops are to analyse the subject, identify the issues to be resolved and set up collaborative action plans.
– Operational structures organise and steer clinical trials according to the therapeutic solutions proposed and the teams involved.
