Insights from the EUrology Session on PRAISE-U

On December 4th, healthcare professionals, MEPs, the European Commission and Member State representatives, alongside other stakeholders gathered for an informative session at the EAU Policy Office in Brussels on the future of prostate cancer care within the broader European cancer framework. The session was centred on prostate cancer screening strategies, clinical guidelines, and cutting-edge research shaping the fight against prostate cancer, all of which were discussed in the broader context of recent findings around the EU-funded PRAISE-U project. 

Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan  

The session began with an introduction from Professor Hein Van Poppel, who emphasised the importance of the European Union's Beating Cancer Plan. This initiative aims to reduce cancer rates, enhance treatment accessibility, and improve care quality across EU member states. By focusing on early detection and innovative research, the plan seeks to reduce cancer-related mortality and create a more co-ordinated approach to prostate cancer care across Europe, and ties neatly into the objectives of the PRAISE-U project. 

PRAISE-U Project 

The PRAISE-U project is an EU-funded national led consortium, that envisages high-quality clinical standards for all EU member states. More specifically, the project aims to reduce prostate cancer morbidity and mortality in EU Member States by promoting early detection through risk-based, customised screening programmes, and aligning protocols and guidelines across countries. The work of PRAISE-U involves collaboration with EU initiatives to enhance knowledge sharing and improve early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. 

Professor Monique Roobol introduced the PRAISE-U Knowledge Hub, which is a valuable resource that was developed to guide clinicians in early prostate cancer detection and management. Dr. Arunah Chandran then presented the screening model developed under PRAISE-U, which uses advanced technology and data analytics to identify at-risk individuals more accurately, enabling timely interventions and better long-term outcomes. 

Pilot Sites: Lithuania and Spain 

Representatives from pilot sites in Lithuania and Spain shared their experiences implementing the PRAISE-U screening model. Ausvydas Patasius discussed Lithuania's national PSA-based screening programme, which has shown promising results in improving detection rates since its introduction in 2006. Sagrario Perez from the Galician Region in Spain highlighted how the PRAISE-U model is being tailored to fit local healthcare needs, improving access to screening services and addressing regional challenges. 

Small regions, with their expertise and full competencies in healthcare, can play a vital role in such initiatives, ensuring sustainability and long-term impact.  

Research advancements 

Professor Peter Albers discussed the role of Prostate Cancer Centres of Excellence, emphasising their importance in advancing research and improving patient outcomes. These centres bring multidisciplinary teams together to offer comprehensive care while driving innovation in prostate cancer treatment. 

Addressing men’s health needs in Europe 

Policy Officer Riccardo Moschetti from the European Cancer Organisation spoke about the Men and Cancer Workstream, which aims to address the unique cancer care needs of men. This initiative proposes better prevention through accessible screening programmes, and focused research on male cancers, particularly prostate cancer, which often suffers from delayed diagnoses compared to women’s cancers. The Men and Cancer Workstream aligns with the objectives of PRAISE-U through the advocation of accessible screening and focused research. 

A collaborative approach for a healthier future 

The PRAISE-U project aims to ensure that all European men, regardless of their country’s economic status, receive a universal standard of care. The event concluded with a call for collaboration, technological advancements, and EU support to enhance prostate cancer care across Europe. Through continued research, data sharing, and a harmonised approach to screening, the goal is to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for all prostate cancer patients. 

Through their involvement, MEPs can help to ensure that PRAISE-U aligns with the EU's broader health priorities, advocate for the allocation of health resources, and push for the integration of new technologies and data-driven approaches to healthcare.