In 2025, the EU Cancer Mission launched the “Cancer Mission Forum for Rare Cancers”, a new initiative designed to unite a wide range of stakeholders engaged in rare cancer research, clinical care, and patient advocacy. The Forum aims to build a dedicated, research- and innovation-driven multi-stakeholder platform that supports structured dialogue, fosters collaboration, and promotes alignment in addressing the significant unmet needs of rare cancer patients and their caregivers across Europe.
ESSO is proud to contribute to this important initiative alongside ESMO, EORTC, EHA, and SIOPE. As the lead of the Working Group on Education & Training, chaired by Dr. Marco Fiore, ESSO Board Member and Dr. Lana Bijelic, ESSO Education and Training Committee Peritoneal Working Group Representative, ESSO is committed to addressing disparities and unmet needs in surgical oncology education.
The Working Group focuses on identifying best practices, mapping training gaps, and promoting harmonised curricula and certification pathways across EU member states. This includes support for specialised fellowships, exchange programmes, and mentorship initiatives that strengthen surgical expertise in rare cancers.
The first outcomes of this collaborative initiative will be presented at the 1st Cancer Mission Forum for Rare Cancers, taking place on 11 March 2026 in Lugano, Switzerland. Besides Dr. Marco Fiore and Dr. Lana Bijelic, ESSO representatives involved in this initiative include Dr. Alessandro Gronchi, Dr. Yvonne Schrage, Dr. Piotr Rutkowski and Dr. Marija Rankovic.
