On 6 November 2008, ESMO hosted the conference “Rare Tumours in Europe: Challenges and Solutions” organized in cooperation with multiple partners including Eurordis, Orphanet, Conticanet, the European Cancer Patient Coalition, and the Association of European Cancer Leagues.  The event was backed by representatives from the pharmaceutical industry including founding sponsor Novartis Oncology, sponsors Celgene and PharmaMar, and supported by AMGEN, Pfizer Oncology, MSD, Bristol-Myers Squibb and EuropaBio.

The conference calling for awareness and prioritization of rare cancers offered an opportunity for European politicians and officials to meet with health professionals, patients, patients’ advocates, government representatives and the pharmaceutical industry to discuss how to address the key challenges linked to the treatment of rare cancers in Europe.  

The objective of the conference was to identify key challenges in different fields, explore solutions and suggest consensus political recommendations. Patient access, regulatory methodology and organizational challenges were examined and discussed.

Slide presentations Conference Program Meeting Report Position statements and recommendations European Action against Rare Cancers

The Sarcoma Alliance is a volunteer organization of sarcoma survivors, their families, friends, and supporters. The Sarcoma Alliance works to extend and improve the lives of sarcoma patients through accurate diagnosis, improved access to care, education and support, and provides resources for the sarcoma patient's family and support network.

More information at www.sarcomaalliance.org