The English version of the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group (ABCCSG) website has been launched, promising a new source of "science at the heart of Europe."

The group conducts clinical trials in breast and colorectal cancer with the aim of standardising treatment; their patient-centred approach appears to motivate remarkable numbers of patients to take part. 

"In many European countries, it is exceptionally difficult to motivate patients to take part in trials," a spokesperson for the ABCCSG writes.

"In Austria, however, ABCSG has been able to create an environment where people are receptive to clinical trials. Now, one in every three pre-menopausal breast cancer patients in Austria takes part in ABCSG trials."

This figure rises to one in every two patients in post-menopausal breast cancer patients.

Some of the success of this study group may be due in part to their transparency and accessibility; patients may use the website to learn more about various clinical trials and access the publications in which they are published.

Launching the website in English may encourage more patients across Europe to enrol in these clinical trials.

"A small country such as Austria would not be able to conduct clinical trials on a sufficient scale," the spokesperson notes, stressing the need for international cooperation in clinical research.

With new European Union regulations encouraging greater transparency and accessibility in clinical trials, more clinical study groups may pursue similar modes of study.

Source: ABCSG