ESMO 2016 | How network consortia and patient-driven advocacy groups have driven collaboration in research

Eric Low, Chief Executive at Myeloma UK, London, UK highlights the importance of collaboration in research. He is convinced one stakeholder alone cannot realistically be effective. Instead, network consortia with all the key players are the best way forward. It is crucial that these networks recognize the interests, drivers, incentives, and rewards of its members, and are aligned around a common goal. Assuming this, efficiencies, cost effectiveness, and prioritization can then be introduced into the drug discovery and development pathway and in turn, make the process more successful. Furthermore, what has emerged from current efforts is forward thinking patient-driven advocacy groups and research organization are crucial to making this collaboration possible. Venture philanthropy has been key to this, giving patient-driven groups ‘skin in the game’ to create research infrastructure and to collaborate with industry. Recorded at the 2016 annual meeting of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), held in Copenhagen, Denmark.