Adonis Georgiades in The Economist: the patient is at the centre of cancer policies

The EU has developed a comprehensive policy framework, with the “European Plan to Combat Cancer” as its central pillar. This plan aims at a comprehensive treatment of the disease, covering all stages: prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and improvement of the quality of life of patients and survivors, while placing particular emphasis on reducing inequalities between Member States.

Greece, as a EU member state, is integrating European guidelines into its national policies, actively participating in joint actions and programmes, speakers at the sixth annual Summiton cancer in Greece, entitled “Fighting cancer in turbulent times”, organised by The Economist.

During his speech at the conference, Health Minister Adonis Georgiades, said that a new system is currently under public consultation that will allow for faster entry of innovativepharmaceuticals in Greece.

He stressed the importance of the state’s cooperation with all stakeholders in order to achieve a balance between innovation and budgetary constraints. He stressed that the government’s policy is aimed at supporting patients, and national plans are already in place to address cancer.

As regards the challenges of the last 15 years, he noted that trust has been built with both the medical community and patients, and pointed out that although much remains to be done, the country is on the right track.

The minister also touched on pharmaceutical policy, noting that the US market, as the world’s largest, inevitably influences developments at the international level. As he pointed out, when something important happens in the United States, it is impossible not to have an impact on other markets, with a key issue being the supply of medicines to countries.

Special emphasis was placed on the concept of price alignment, which, if implemented, could bring about radical changes in the global pharmaceutical landscape. However, he stressed that this transition would not be easy and would be accompanied by challenges.

In response to these developments, he highlighted the importance of greater integration, expressing confidence that the European Union can play a key role. He noted that, as a whole, the European Union is on a par with the United States in terms of power and assessed that international changes will necessarily lead to greater policy alignment within the EU.

Emmanuel Saloustros – Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Thessaly / Chairman of the Board, Hellenic Society of Pathological Oncology, highlighted the main priorities for the progress of the system:

– Training of physicians and strengthening of human resources

– Equal access of patients to health services and improvement of the predictability of the system

– Ensuring sustainability through appropriate policies

– Focus on prevention and data collection for policy making

– Strengthening clinical research

– Promoting sustainability and “green oncology”

– Need to strengthen palliative care

He stressed that Greecehas the necessary scientific potential to achieve these goals and that the cooperation of all stakeholders is crucial.

For his part, Giorgos Kapetanakis – president of the Greek Cancer Federation, pointed out that while oncology is in a period of significant developments, patients do not always directly experience the benefits of these changes.

He referred to critical issues such as:

– Creation and utilization of patient registries

– Digital transformation of oncology care

– Home delivery of high-cost drugs

– Biomarker reimbursement

He raised the key question of whether the health systemcan support these changes, emphasizing that the reforms need to reach patients in a meaningful way.

He also stressed that a more holistic approach to oncology care is taking shape, with a focus on quality of life. Patient associations say they are ready to contribute to the formulation of the national cancer action plan.

Mr. Kapetanakis concluded that three key issues:

– Access to innovation

– Integration of patient experience

– Strengthening collaboration as a key prerequisite for progress

Finally, Cyril Skiver – Regional President, Mid-European Federation, MSD, stressed that dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders is a sign of progress towards a more patient-centred health system.

He stressed the importance of clinical research, noting that there are currently around 80 studies being conducted in Greece, the result of collaboration between all stakeholders.

He noted that the next step is to strengthen patient registries to evaluate what works and what doesn’t, and to better align interventions. He concluded that the focus should be on patients and that Greece has already made significant progress.