The ENDEAVOUR lung cancer programme, a three-year initiative, is set to enhance lung cancer research and patient care by connecting early-career oncologists in Europe with globally renowned thoracic oncology experts.
Recently, 21 specialists in Madrid formed international teams to launch four collaborative research projects, aiming to address critical unmet needs in lung cancer treatment.
The expert-guided projects will focus on significant challenges over the next three years.
Two projects will explore treatment resistance mechanisms in small cell and non-small cell lung cancers, seeking strategies to overcome these barriers.
Another project will employ artificial intelligence to analyse long-term responders to specific therapies, identifying features that could inform future treatment decisions.
The final project targets non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases, aiming to uncover characteristics that could lead to more personalised therapeutic strategies.
Institut Bergonié Edouard Auclin said: “To be chosen among more than 20 projects, all led by passionate professionals asking meaningful questions in lung cancer, is a real honour.
“Each project brings valuable insights to the field. My project focuses on patients with high inflammation who tend to have poorer outcomes and are often underrepresented in clinical trials.
“By thinking outside the box, we aim to develop new approaches that could better address their needs and improve their treatment responses. I am truly happy to be part of this program and look forward to what we can accomplish together.”
The ENDEAVOUR programme seeks to improve patient care and make a real-world impact through collaborative research and clinical practice exchange among participating oncologists.
Supported by Daiichi Sankyo, the ENDEAVOUR programmes aim to develop the next generation of oncology experts across Europe by fostering scientific exchange and sharing clinical practices.
Guided by a distinguished steering committee, these programmes are designed to promote excellence in research and enhance clinical knowledge, ultimately driving scientific innovation and improving patient outcomes.
Following the success of the ENDEAVOUR breast cancer programme, the lung cancer initiative will support 21 emerging specialists from 2025 to 2027.
ENDEAVOUR Lung Cancer Program Committee Member Lizza Hendriks said: “Mentoring and fostering the next generation of thoracic oncologists is essential to sustaining scientific innovation and improving patient outcomes.
“Through this initiative, participants gain the tools and critical skills needed to become the lung cancer leaders of tomorrow to treat patients with the latest scientific knowledge.
“I was truly impressed and energised by the outstanding quality of applications received and look forward to the outcomes of the collaborations that will emerge from this program.”
