Official launch of JANE-2: A new era in European cancer collaboration

The European project seeks to establish the seven knowledge networks, designed in JANE-1, to address cancer needs and challenges.

The EU Joint Action on Networks of Expertise in Cancer (JANE-2) was officially launched in Milan on 28-29 January 2025. This ambitious project, which will run for four years, is coordinated by the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori Istituto Nazionale Tumori in Milan, Italy, and involves 121 partners from 29 European countries.

JANE-2 aims to establish seven knowledge networks that address the most pressing challenges in oncology, including complex cancers with poor prognosis, palliative care, survivorship and the care of adolescents and young adults with cancer.

This first consortium meeting served to present the seven knowledge networks that will be launched in the coming years. In addition, round tables were organised to address cross-cutting issues for all NoEs (Networks of Expertise), such as the challenges associated with the sustainability of the networks after the end of the project and the role that industry should adopt. Representatives from JANE-2 NoEs, as well as from different organisations, institutions and projects in the cancer field participated in these discussions

Objectives of JANE-2

JANE-2 is co-funded by the European Union through the EU4Health programme to the tune of more than 40 million euros. Its main mission is to create seven EU Cancer Networks of Expertise, focusing on:

  • Complex and poor prognosis cancers
  • Palliative care in cancer
  • Survival
  • Personalised primary and secondary prevention
  • Omic technologies
  • High-tech medical resources
  • Adolescent and young adult patients with tumours

These areas represent some of the most crucial challenges in oncology today and require further harmonisation in the EU, cooperation between health and research institutions, and a high degree of scientific and technological exchange.

EU networking

The panel discussion entitled “EU networking through joint actions focused on cancer“, moderated by scientific director Ane Fullaondo, focused on the sustainability work package, where the importance of providing the networks with infrastructure, including human resources and regular funding, to ensure their long-term sustainability was emphasised. However, for the latter to become a reality, continuous interaction with Member States will be vital, as well as demonstrating the added value of these networks for the European cancer community.

In addition, a session entitled “JANE-2 transversal WP” was organised, in which the transversal work packages (WP: Workpackage) (coordination, dissemination and evaluation) were presented, as well as the sustainability work package (WP4), in which Sarah Berrocoso, researcher at the institute, presented the work plan led by Biosistemak.

The role of Biosistemak representing the Basque Country

The Basque Country participates actively in JANE-2, through Biosistemak, in two of the transversal work packages:

  • WP3 Evaluation: As co-leaders of the package and leaders of the data collection task, Biosistemak will monitor the progress of the Joint Action and develop strategies to define the trajectory towards the impact of the networks.
  • WP4 Sustainability: Leading this package, Biosistemak will develop together with each network models that allow to achieve its long-term sustainability.

As part of the JANE-2 project, a Working Group will be established in the Basque Country focusing on critical areas such as complex cancers and poor prognosis, survival and care for adolescents and young adults with cancer. This group aims to foster the advancement of knowledge, improve care models and promote research and continuous training.

Expected results and challenges

JANE-2 represents a significant step forward in European cancer collaboration. Indeed, the new Networks of Expertise will provide essential services to the European cancer community, including clinical practice guidelines, quality of care criteria and research support.

With its active participation in this project, Biosistemak is at the forefront of the joint effort to improve cancer care and address the most pressing challenges in this field.