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The current COVID-19 pandemic challenges oncologists to profoundly re-organize oncological care in order to dramatically reduce hospital visits and admissions and therapy-induced immune-related complications without compromising cancer outcomes. Since COVID-19 is a novel disease, guidance by scientific evidence is often unavailable, and impactful decisions are inevitably made on the basis of expert opinions. Here we report how the seven comprehensive cancer centers of Cancer Core Europe have organized their healthcare systems at an unprecedented scale and pace to make their operations ‘pandemic proof’. We identify and discuss many commonalities, but also important local differences, and pinpoint critical research priorities to enable evidence-based remodeling of cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, we discuss how the current situation offers a unique window of opportunity for assessing the effects of de-escalating anticancer regimens, which may fast-forward the development of more-refined and less-toxic treatments. By sharing our joint experiences, we offer a roadmap for proceeding and aim to mobilize the global research community to generate the data that are critically needed to offer the best possible care to patients. The Cancer Core Europe centers share their experience on caring for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic ― a time of challenges and opportunities for cancer health professionals, researchers and patients alike.

Educational initiatives in cancer research have to align with the needs of patients, individuals at risk, healthcare systems and public health organisations. The above interests demand strong translational interactions between basic research, clinical/prevention research and entrepreneurship. The resulting synergy between these three entities is expected to stimulate identification of unresolved issues in cancer biology, as well as unmet needs in diagnostics, treatment and prevention. It will also encourage the development of international research collaborations and, in turn, improve access to innovative research infrastructures. Education and dissemination of knowledge and technologies must be a cornerstone of any future European mission‐oriented approach to cancer, as it will ensure that new cancer treatments reach all patients within the European Union, and also help reduce gross inequalities in cancer incidence and mortality. A large number of educational institutions ranging from local universities to pan‐European organisations have developed excellent educational activities. However, a cancer mission will highlight additional roles for higher education that will complement and provide novel approaches. Educational and training activities should target the general public (dissemination) for primary cancer prevention, as well as the next generation of cancer researchers in basic and clinical research all over Europe. The experiences of patients are also needed to improve health‐related quality‐of‐life and outcomes research. A mission approach to cancer would enhance the exchange of researchers within Europe and worldwide, and prioritise collaborations between Western/Central and Eastern Europe countries. The Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) will be crucial to train scientific staff in established centres as well as in candidate centres aspiring to join networks of CCCs. In addition, CCCs will have an important role to play by offering educational programmes for the next generation of clinical/research leaders. Education and dissemination of knowledge must be a cornerstone of future European mission‐oriented approaches to cancer. It will ensure that new cancer treatments reach all patients and help reduce gross inequalities in cancer incidence and mortality. A mission approach to cancer would enhance the exchange of researchers within Europe and worldwide.

Background The human protein atlas (HPA) is an online database containing large sets of protein expression data in normal and cancerous tissues in image form from immunohistochemically (IHC) stained tissue microarrays. In these, the tissue architecture is preserved and thus provides information on the spatial distribution and localization of protein expression at the cellular and extracellular levels. The database is freely available online through the HPA website but currently without support for large-scale screening and analysis of the images in the database. Features like spatial information are typically lacking in gene expression datasets from homogenized tissues or single-cell analysis. To enable high throughput analysis of the HPA database, we developed the AtlasGrabber software. It is available freely under an open-source license. Based on a predefined gene list, the software fetches the images from the database and displays them for the user. Several filters for specific antibodies or images enable the user to customize her/his image analysis. Up to four images can be displayed simultaneously, which allows for the comparison of protein expression between different tissues and between normal and cancerous tissues. An additional feature is the XML parser that allows the extraction of a list of available antibodies, images, and genes for specific tissues or cancer types from the HPA’s database file. Results Compared to existing software designed for a similar purpose, ours provide more functionality and is easier to use. To demonstrate the software’s usability, we identified six new markers of basal cells of the prostate. A comparison to prostate cancer showed that five of them are absent in prostate cancer. Conclusions The HPA is a uniquely valuable database. By facilitating its usefulness with the AtlasGrabber, we enable researchers to exploit its full capacity. The loss of basal cell markers is diagnostic for prostate cancer and can help refine the histopathological diagnosis of prostate cancer. As proof of concept, with the AtlasGrabber we identified five new potential biomarkers specific for prostate basal cells which are lost in prostate cancer and thus can be used for prostate cancer diagnostics.

Single-cell sequencing datasets are key in biology and medicine for unraveling insights into heterogeneous cell populations with unprecedented resolution. Here, we construct a single-cell multi-omics map of human tissues through in-depth characterizations of datasets from five single-cell omics, spatial transcriptomics, and two bulk omics across 125 healthy adult and fetal tissues. We construct its complement web-based platform, the Single Cell Atlas (SCA, www.singlecellatlas.org ), to enable vast interactive data exploration of deep multi-omics signatures across human fetal and adult tissues. The atlas resources and database queries aspire to serve as a one-stop, comprehensive, and time-effective resource for various omics studies.

The gene expression profiles of 60 cell lines, derived from nine different tissues, were compared with their corresponding in vivo tumors and tissues. Cell lines expressed few tissue-specific (2%) or tumor-specific (5%) genes when analyzed group-wise. A tissue similarity index (TSI) was designed based upon singular value decomposition that measured in vivo tumor characteristic gene expression in each cell line independently. Only 34 of the 60 cell lines received the highest TSI toward its tumor of origin. In addition, we identified the most appropriate cell lines to be used as model systems for different in vivo tumors. Seven cell lines were identified as being of another origin than the originally presumed one. The proposed TSI will likely become an important tool for the selection of the most appropriate cell lines in pharmaceutical screening programs and experimental and biomedical research.

The effect of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on gene expression in human, malignant cell lines was investigated, with a focus on signaling pathways. The commensal microbial flora produce high levels of SCFAs with established physiologic effects in humans. The most abundant SCFA metabolite in the human microflora is n-butyric acid. It is well known to activate endogenous latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), that was used as a reference read out system and extended to EBV+ epithelial cancer cell lines. N-butyric acid and its salt induced inflammatory and apoptotic responses in tumor cells of epithelial and lymphoid origin. Epithelial cell migration was inhibited. The n-butyric gene activation was reduced by knock-down of the cell membrane transporters MCT-1 and -4 by siRNA. N-butyric acid show biologically significant effects on several important cellular functions, also with relevance for tumor cell phenotype.

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) regulate a wide range of biological activities in both physiological and pathological conditions. Altered expression or deregulated function of HSPGs and their heparan sulfate (HS) chains significantly contribute to carcinogenesis as well and crucially depends on the functioning of the complex system of HS biosynthetic/modifying enzymes termed as “GAGosome”. Here, we aimed at investigating the expression profile of the system in a cell culture model of stroma-epithelial crosstalk and searching for transcription factors potentially related to the regulation of expression of the genes involved. Coculture of BjTERT-fibroblasts with normal PNT2 human prostate epithelial cells resulted in significant downregulation (2-4-fold) of transcriptional activity of HS metabolism-involved genes ( EXT1/2, NDST1/2, GLCE, HS2ST1, HS3ST1/2, HS6ST1/2, SULF1/2, HPSE ) in both cell types, whereas coculture with prostate cancer cells (LNCaP, PC3, DU145) demonstrated no significant interchanges. Human Transcription Factor RT 2 Profiler PCR array and manual RT-PCR verification supposed FOS, MYC, E2F, SRF, NR3C1 as potential candidates for regulation and/or coordination of HS biosynthesis. Taken together, transcriptional activity of HS biosynthetic system in normal fibroblasts and prostate epithelial cells during their coculture might be controlled by their intercellular communication, reflecting of adaptation of these cells to each other. The regulation is attenuated or abrogated if normal fibroblasts interact with prostate cancer cells making the cancer cells independent of the limiting effects of fibroblasts, thus contributing to possibility of unlimited growth and progression. Overall, these data demonstrate an ability of cell-cell interactions to affect transcriptional activity of HS biosynthesis-involved genes.

Cancer Core Europe is a European legal alliance consisting of seven leading cancer centres – most of them Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) – with a single portal system to engage in various research projects with partners. Cancer Core Europe was established to create a sustainable, high‐level, shared research infrastructure platform hosting research collaborations and task forces (data sharing, clinical trials, genomics, immunotherapy, imaging, education and training, and legal and ethical issues), with a controlled expansion agenda. Translational cancer research covers the cancer research continuum from basic to preclinical to early clinical, late clinical, and outcomes research. Basic–preclinical research serves as the ‘engine’ for early clinical research by bridging the early translational research gap and is the primary and current focus of the consortium as exemplified by the launching of the Basket of Baskets trial, Europe's largest precision cancer medicine trial. Inspired by the creation of Cancer Core Europe, the prevention community established Cancer Prevention Europe, a consortium of ten cancer prevention centres aimed at supporting the complete prevention research continuum. Presently, Cancer Core Europe and Cancer Prevention Europe are integrating therapeutics and prevention strategies to address in partnership the widening cancer problem. By providing innovative approaches for cancer research, links to healthcare systems, development of quality‐assured multidisciplinary cancer care, and assessment of long‐term outcomes, the virtual infrastructure will serve as a hub to connect and interact with other centres across Europe and beyond. Together, Cancer Core Europe and Cancer Prevention Europe are prepared to function as a central engine to tackle, in collaboration with various partners, a potential ‘mission on cancer’ addressing the cancer burden. Cancer Core Europe is a European legal alliance consisting of seven leading cancer centres – most of them Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) – with a single portal system to engage in various research projects with partners. Basic–preclinical research is the ‘engine’ for early clinical research bridging the early translational research gap and is the primary and current focus of the consortium as exemplified by the launching of the Basket of Baskets trial, Europe's largest precision cancer medicine trial (shown here). Together, Cancer Core Europe and Cancer Prevention Europe are prepared to function as a central engine to tackle, in collaboration with various partners, a potential ‘mission on cancer’ addressing the cancer burden.

Background: Personalized cancer medicine (PCM) tailors cancer treatments based on individual genetic profiles, enabling more precise and effective therapies. Despite its potential, integrating PCM into clinical practice remains challenging because of organizational and systemic barriers. This study examined the factors influencing PCM implementation at a major cancer center in Stockholm, Sweden. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 medical professionals and management staff from Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet. Content analysis was used to identify key themes related to PCM implementation. This study followed the established Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines to ensure methodological rigor and transparency. Results: Informants framed PCM as both a technological innovation and a patient-centered approach. However, significant barriers to implementation were identified, including organizational inertia, fragmented funding models, and ethical challenges related to access and equity. Structural silos between academic and healthcare institutions complicate integration. Key facilitators include leadership commitment, cross-sectoral collaboration, and a supportive policy environment. Participants emphasized the need for integrated infrastructure, real-time data-sharing mechanisms, and interdisciplinary training programs to support PCM. Conclusions: Successful PCM implementation requires overcoming entrenched organizational and systemic barriers through a multi-stakeholder approach involving healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and patient advocates. The findings underscore the necessity of a “third-form organization” to mediate between academia and clinical care. Addressing these challenges requires adaptive governance models, evidence-based policy reforms, and sustainable funding frameworks. Future research should explore comparative contexts to enhance the scalability and generalizability of PCM integration strategies.

The cancer problem is expanding, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Preventive measures can reduce the incidence by 40-50%, and cure rates have increased during the past decades in a number of cancers. However, optimizing prevention programmes and increasing cure rates of cancer remain significant research challenges. The main focus of the conference was on P4 Cancer Medicine (Predictive, Preventive, Personalized and Participatory), a comprehensive strategy encompassing Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) research, aiming to enhance the well-being of patients and individuals at risk. Addressing the cancer problem requires two key elements: translational cancer research and the development of relevant infrastructures. A Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC) acts as an innovation hub by integrating high-quality, multidisciplinary therapy and care, with healthcare-dependent prevention, research, and education. The United States has been at the forefront, providing quality-assured CCCs and the Cancer Moonshot for strategic cancer research. The EU has followed with the European Research Council for basic research, the European Innovation Council to boost disruptive innovation, and two EU initiatives on cancer, Europe's Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) and the Mission on Cancer. The increasing complexity of cancer biology and technologies presents both a research challenge and a healthcare demand. For most patients, a CCC is not available. A critical discussion focused on quality assurance of healthcare outside the catchment area of a CCC and involving patients in clinical research. The strategic deployment of resources to support collective healthcare efforts and research aimed at reducing the cancer problem was discussed with representatives from the United States, EU, Africa, China, India and Taiwan. Analyses of translational cancer research have revealed important gaps in implementing innovations, assessment of clinical effectiveness, HRQoL, outcome and health economics research. The increased release of new anticancer agents over the last 25 years, accompanied by insufficient information on clinical benefits, presents both an economic and ethical problem. Direct healthcare costs have increased due to expenses for anticancer agents for the treatment of patients with incurable diseases. Evidence-based treatment based on HRQoL research is an unmet need. Basic/preclinical research aimed at increasing the cure rate should identify new, broader targets for therapy and develop extended diagnostic technologies for stratifying patients, to inform innovative clinical trials. Present research strategies convert cancer to a chronic disease, a growing burden for the healthcare systems. The increasing complexity of cancer biology and technology, the growing need for translational cancer research, and the demand for supporting infrastructures underscore the importance of international collaborations between CCCs. However, funding for cancer research is not currently aligned to reduce the cancer problem. While public funding for cancer research doubled between 2005 and 2024, the pharmaceutical industry's spending on cancer research increased tenfold. Increasing funding by public and non-profit funding organizations is mandatory. Education is another significant need, but it is currently fragmented and underfunded. The last session of the conference summarized the strategies in a Statement with a strong emphasis on global collaboration addressing the growing cancer burden and pronounced inequalities. Expanding partnerships and fostering innovative, multidisciplinary approaches to cancer prevention, therapeutics/care, as well as research, are not just urgent but essential steps towards reducing incidence, increasing cure rates and enhancing the well-being of cancer patients. Data-driven cancer medicine is currently under development, and modern communication technologies for diagnostics may facilitate interactions across geographical distances. A global cancer research agenda can become a model of solidarity, sustainability, and ethical responsibility.