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. 2024 Mar 29;31(4):1839-1864.
doi: 10.3390/curroncol31040139.

Demographic Analysis of Cancer Research Priorities and Treatment Correlations

Denis Horgan  1   2 , Marc Van den Bulcke  3 , Umberto Malapelle  4 , Nicola Normanno  5 , Ettore D Capoluongo  6   7 , Arsela Prelaj  8 , Carmelo Rizzari  9 , Aliki Stathopoulou  10 , Jaya Singh  1 , Marta Kozaric  1 , France Dube  11 , Manuel Ottaviano  12 , Stefania Boccia  13   14 , Gabriella Pravettoni  15   16 , Ivana Cattaneo  17 , Núria Malats  18 , Reinhard Buettner  19 , Karim Lekadir  20 , Francesco de Lorenzo  10 , Catherine Alix-Panabieres  21 , Sara Badreh  22 , Eric Solary  23   24   25 , Ruggero De Maria  26 , Paul Hofman  27
Affiliations

Demographic Analysis of Cancer Research Priorities and Treatment Correlations

Denis Horgan et al. Curr Oncol. .

Abstract

Understanding the diversity in cancer research priorities and the correlations among different treatment modalities is essential to address the evolving landscape of oncology. This study, conducted in collaboration with the European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) and Childhood Cancer International-Europe (CCI-E) as part of the "UNCAN.eu" initiative, analyzed data from a comprehensive survey to explore the complex interplay of demographics, time since cancer diagnosis, and types of treatments received. Demographic analysis revealed intriguing trends, highlighting the importance of tailoring cancer research efforts to specific age groups and genders. Individuals aged 45-69 exhibited highly aligned research priorities, emphasizing the need to address the unique concerns of middle-aged and older populations. In contrast, patients over 70 years demonstrated a divergence in research priorities, underscoring the importance of recognising the distinct needs of older individuals in cancer research. The analysis of correlations among different types of cancer treatments underscored the multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, precision therapy, and biological therapies playing integral roles. These findings support the need for personalized and combined treatment strategies to achieve optimal outcomes. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the complexity of cancer research priorities and treatment correlations in a European context. It emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted, patient-centred approach to cancer research and treatment, highlighting the need for ongoing support, adaptation, and collaboration to address the ever-changing landscape of oncology.

Keywords: cancer; demographics; oncology; patients; personalized medicine; policy; priorities; research.

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Conflict of interest statement

D.H., J.S. and M.K. are employees of the European Alliance for Personalised Medicine, which receives funding from both the public and private sectors. France Dube is an employee of Astra Zeneca.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Category of survey participants.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Demographics of study participants: (A) gender and (B) age.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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