A new paper published by The Lancet Oncology has announced the launch of the Lancet Oncology Commission, which will examine the "role, relevance and challenges of academic clinical cancer research in today's geopolitical and economic context."
The paper also states that independent, academic clinical cancer trials are vital to improving patient outcomes, reducing inequalities in care and strengthening healthcare systems worldwide.
Academic clinical trials are research studies led by doctors and researchers at universities, hospitals and non-profit organisations.
In contrast to industry-sponsored trials geared toward drug approval, academic trials focus on important questions related to patient care.
They explore how to optimise existing treatments, determine which patients benefit most, reduce side effects and enhance long-term outcomes and quality of life.
The Lancet Oncology Commission is the result of a global coalition of 35 clinical investigators and patient representatives from across the world who convened in March 2026.
The meeting was coordinated by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that unites clinical cancer research experts to define better treatments for cancer patients, prolonging survival and improving quality of life.
The primary objective of the meeting was to address the value and need of global collaboration on clinical trials that acknowledge global patient-centric questions.
"Independent academic cancer clinical trials are a public good," said Denis Lacombe, EORTC CEO.
They generate the evidence needed to optimise cancer care, beyond commercial priorities and are essential to building resilient healthcare systems where research is embedded in routine care.
"We all agreed we need new models of global collaboration that preserve academic independence while enabling efficient, high-quality international trials," added Winette van der Graaf, EORTC President.
Participants in the coalition highlighted increasing challenges facing academic research, including regulatory complexity, limited public funding and the need for new models of international collaboration.
The initiative aligns with global efforts such as the WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum to support coordinated research across countries.
The Lancet added that this new global collaboration will aim to deliver actionable recommendations to ensure academic cancer clinical trials continue to benefit patients and society worldwide.