"The IPO do Porto is at the forefront of participation in European projects related to the European Cancer Plan. We are involved in more than a dozen projects and studies, most of them in the area of oncology research. But some of them are also related to public health policies and the organization of oncology care in the European context," said Júlio Oliveira.

Speaking to Lusa, and highlighting the link between the IPO do Porto and the European Organisation of Cancer Institutes (OECI), the official pointed out the aim of "contributing to greater homogeneity in oncology health care within the different European countries and within each of the European countries".

The first edition of the IPO Porto Summit -- which starts on Europe Day to celebrate and mark the Schuman Declaration and on Tuesday had almost 1,000 registered participants -- will take place at the Portuguese School of Oncology (EPOP), at the IPO do Porto, with around 90 thematic sessions.

The programme includes a science and research strand, as well as functional and social aspects, with the aim of "bringing to the discussion the areas of support essential to the oncology ecosystem".

Among the topics under discussion, the organisation highlights viruses, vaccines, transplants, immunotherapy, CAR-T cells, non-pharmacological treatments, clinical research, pharmacogenomics and precision medicine.

"Cancer treatment has become increasingly complex in recent decades. If there is one thing we are aware of, it is that to solve complex problems, we cannot do it in isolation. And it is not only with science, medicines and treatments that we can offer the best standard of care. It is necessary to work on other dimensions and involve other professionals who are almost always in the shadows, but are essential," added Júlio Oliveira.

Recalling that "sometimes patients know the doctor, the nurse, possibly the pharmacist and little else", Júlio Oliveira stressed the importance of "involving the entire community in the discussion, both those who interact directly with the patient, and the back-office professionals, those behind the scenes who make everything work".

At this international summit, which ends on Saturday and is part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the IPO do Porto, in addition to national and international figures who will make contributions on oncology and innovation, the institution also wants to involve the business community, the third sector, patient organisations and the volunteer movement.

"We need to discuss what is most innovative not only in terms of technology, but also in organisation. We want to talk about what is best done in the institution and receive contributions from guests who will share good practices and good examples from clinical and non-clinical areas. For example, the care areas are fundamental," stressed Júlio Oliveira.

On Saturday, at 11:30 am, at the plenary session of the event, and to address the theme "IPO Porto, the City, the North Region and Europe", the presence of the Mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira, the Rector of the University of Porto, António Sousa Pereira, as well as António Cunha, from the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission, and Luís Castro Reis, from Sonae, is expected.

On the same day, in the afternoon, a session dedicated to clinical research will take place, with the presence of the Secretary of State for Health, Ana Povo, expected.

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