JANE project ends: Focusing on European collaboration to improve cancer care

Biosistemak has participated in the event held in the European Parliament (Brussels) presenting the recommendations to improve the sustainability and impact of knowledge networks in cancer.

On 25 September 2024, the JANE Project held its final meeting in Brussels, marking the end of two years of work to improve knowledge on cancer care and promote knowledge transfer between European entities. This event also served to present the launch of JANE2, the next phase on which the collaborating organisations will focus.

Key people attended this outstanding event from the European Parliament, such as the Member of the European Parliament, Vlad Voiculescu or Vytenis Andriukaitis among others. Their participation in the event has served to show the EU’s support for the implementation of seven Knowledge Networks in oncology that will be fundamental to ensure better cancer care for all those affected by cancer in Europe.

Likewise, the participation of MEPs such as Paulo do Nascimento Cabral highlighted the importance of implementing projects such as JANE, a strategic initiative for the EU, which allows progress to be made in research and the generation of knowledge. Vlad Voiculescu, host of the event, underlined the importance of coordinating these networks with other European health efforts, such as the European Reference Networks (ERNs) and Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs).

JANE: a network of cancer experts

The final meeting of the project had two main objectives, on the one hand to present the achievements of JANE during the two years of work, and on the other hand to present to the new European legislature the ambitious vision of this Joint Action to launch seven Cancer Knowledge Networks. These networks will address and generate knowledge in crucial areas in oncology, such as poor prognosis cancers, personalised prevention, survivorship, palliative care and technologies, among others. Each network aims to foster scientific and healthcare collaboration between European countries through key entities to improve cancer care.

The event also served to present the Policy Document, a roadmap that identifies the key challenges for the success of these networks, such as data interoperability and inter-institutional collaboration. The Basque Country leads in the areas of sustainability and integration.

Biosistemak was present at the event in the European Parliament, representing the Basque Country. The Institute, with the collaboration of Osakidetza and the Department of Health , has been instrumental in consolidating political support for the project and has led two work packages in JANE, focusing on the sustainability of networks (WP4) and the integration of research results in healthcare practice (WP12). From the Basque Country, recommendations have been proposed to ensure the continuity of these networks after the end of the Joint Action, highlighting the importance of effective management and the commitment of Member States to ensure their long-term impact.

The challenges for the sustainability and operability of the networks were addressed in a round table with the participation of experts and JANE representatives. Among the issues discussed were the need for solid funding and the need to integrate research results into clinical practice, a key aspect to ensure that scientific advances benefit patients.

Collaboration to improve health in Europe

The continuation of JANE with the start of JANE2 on 1 November 2024 represents a further four years of joint efforts and work in cancer care. This second phase of the project aims to strengthen the European Knowledge Networks and address the challenges identified, allowing oncology collaboration between EU countries to materialize and generate tangible results.

The political endorsement achieved in the European Parliament marks a milestone in the history of JANE and the future of cancer care in Europe. The meeting underlines the importance of a common vision and continued collaboration to tackle cancer from a pan-European perspective, directing research efforts towards practical results that benefit all citizens.

To find out more about the project, click here.