Two key policy documents launched at the European Parliament aim to improve public understanding of immuno-oncology therapies, which use the immune system to fight cancer.

Produced by the Expert Group on Immuno-Oncology, the two documents - the "Immuno-Oncology Action Framework Report" and the "Patient Guide to Immuno-Oncology" - are meant to inform patients and policymakers about these innovative therapies.

The Expert Group on Immuno-Oncology was established as an independent network of patients, oncology healthcare professionals, scientists, researchers, and politicians.

The group's goals are to help improve understanding of immuno-oncology therapies, and to develop concrete recommendations of how policymakers can encourage rapid and appropriate patient access to immuno-oncology therapies across Europe.

The patient-centred document offers a definition of immunotherapies and suggestions for discussing these therapies with healthcare professionals, while the policy document urges stakeholders to take recommended measures to ensure that cancer patients across Europe have equitable access to such meaningful therapies. 

According to the authors, one key priority in this action framework is ensuring that immuno-oncology therapies can be integrated into multidisciplinary care pathways, supported by comprehensive cancer plans and appropriate funding streams.

The documents can be downloaded here.

Source: European Cancer Patient Coalition