Strengthen and develop scientific and technological excellence in research and therapy of leukemia (CML, AML, ALL, CLL, MDS, CMPD) by integration of the leading national leukemia networks and their interdisciplinary partner groups in Europe (EUROPEAN LEUKEMIANET)

Basic data for this project

Description

Leukemias are a challenge to society and a cost factor because of their frequency in all age groups.They also serve as a model for a variety of diseases and possess exemplary relevance for basicresearch and patient care. Leukemia research and therapy have achieved high standards and even aleading position in several European countries with regard to clinical trials, standardization ofdiagnostics and molecular studies of signal transduction and gene expression. A true European worldleadership, however, has not been accomplished yet due to national fragmentation of leukemia trialgroups, diagnostic approaches and treatment research activities and a need for central information andcommunication structures.The objective is to integrate the 78 leading leukemia trial groups (CML, AML, ALL, CLL, MDS,CMPD), their 83 interdisciplinary partners (diagnostics, treatment research, registry, guidelines),industry and SMEs across Europe to form a cooperative network for advancements in leukemiarelatedresearch and health care. Integration will be supported by central information, communication,education and management structures. Other goals are to intensify target and drug discovery, toshorten the time period to clinical translation, to apply advanced genomics, telematics andbiotechnology to therapeutic progress and to promote research relevant also for solid cancers by largeclinical trials. Furthermore, metaanalyses of specific subaspects, elaboration of prognostic scores,recognition of gender specific differences, creation of uniform data sets for trials and registration,introduction of standards for diagnostics and treatment and development of evidence based guidelineswill be promoted throughout Europe. The proposed network will have the expertise and critical massfor European added value and world leadership. It will structure European research durably, spreadEuropean scientific excellence in the field of leukemias and can start immediately.