New EAU Policy Briefing on Kidney Cancer

As one of the most lethal genitourinary cancers, a greater recognition of kidney cancer as a European healthcare problem is a principal requirement. During the Kidney Cancer Europe Roundtable organised by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS), caregivers, researchers, industry and patient organisations gathered in Brussels to join forces to establish a better management of kidney cancer in Europe.

The Kidney Cancer Europe Roundtable, chaired by Professor Hein Van Poppel of the European Association of Urology (EAU), was attended by politicians, like Mr. Francis Zammit Dimech of MEPs Against Cancer, representatives of patient organisations like the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) and the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC), academia and clinicians.

During the event, the Scientific and Policy Briefing paper on Kidney Cancer was also launched. This initiative by the EAU aims to stimulate a closer collaboration and knowledge sharing by EU Member States and across the healthcare sector. It addresses key challenges in improving patients’ outcomes.

Collaboration to move forward

A close collaboration of multiple specialists is required to ensure the best outcome at lower costs. Unfortunately, in low-income countries, this patient-centred multidisciplinary care is often not available.

The scientific and policy paper on kidney cancer was well received by all those who attended and it led to several commitments. It was agreed to work together on a World Kidney Day, led by IKCC. The accompanying campaign should focus on lifestyle recommendations to prevent kidney and other cancers and must be actively advertised to the patient organisations as much as possible.

The EAU will continue to address the most demanding issues on urological care through its publications, scientific and educational activities until all patients with kidney cancer have timely access to innovative treatments that are also affordable.

Read more of this interview in the next edition of European Urology Today.