Publication of JANE Green Paper on the establishment of cancer health networks in the EU

Biosistemak contributes to the writing of the article, which aims to encourage discussion and improve the quality of patient care.

Biosistemak researchers have actively participated in the preparation of the strategic document “Health networking on cancer in the European Union: a ‘Green Paper’ by the EU Joint Action on Networks of Expertise (JANE)”, recently published in the prestigious scientific journal ESMO Open (2023: Q1, puesto 40/322 Oncology). This work, which is part of the Joint Action on Networks of Expertise (JANE) project, lays the groundwork for the development of collaborative networks that aim to transform cancer care in the European Union.

The main aim of the article is to encourage discussion about the challenges and opportunities of cancer networking in the European Union, with a particular focus on areas such as research, funding and patient involvement. Green Papers are documents published by the European Commission to stimulate debate on strategic issues, which may subsequently lead to legislative developments.

Key contents of the Green Paper

The publication addresses three key aspects for the success of these collaborative networks: translational research to accelerate the implementation of scientific advances in clinical practice, sustainable funding models to ensure long-term viability, and mechanisms for active participation of both professionals and patients in the design of these networks.

The paper also raises thirteen critical issues that require a collective solution, including the balance between supranational cooperation and national competences (subsidiarity principle), the technical challenges of interoperability between information systems in different countries, and the need to create legal frameworks to support such cross-border collaborations.

Outstanding participation of Biosistemak

The contribution of our institute has been particularly relevant in aspects related to the long-term sustainability of the networks and the effective integration of research results into everyday healthcare practice. This leadership is based on the work developed during the first phase of JANE (2023-2025), where Euskadi coordinated two key work packages for the project.

For her part, the scientific director, Ane Fullaondo, together with the researcher Sarah Berrocoso, participated as authors of this publication and actively collaborated in the face-to-face meeting held in Milan in July 2024, where the fundamental issues that were finally included in the document were defined.

Next steps: JANE-2 and solution development

With the start of the second phase of the project (JANE-2) in November 2025, these theoretical reflections will begin to materialise through the launch of seven knowledge networks specialised in different cancer areas. This practical implementation will require developing concrete solutions to the challenges identified in the Green Paper and establishing operational frameworks to ensure the long-term success of this ambitious European initiative.

This work represents an important milestone that positions Biosistemak as a key player in shaping European health policies, ensuring that the knowledge generated in the Basque Country contributes significantly to improving the care and quality of life of cancer patients throughout the European Union.

The full scientific article is available here: https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S2059702924018970