Overview
HPP distilled complex data on advanced cancer diagnostics to offer an accessible, forward-thinking policy report illustrating how they can improve cancer outcomes. The report included recommendations for policymakers on how to ensure health systems are ready to integrate, and fully deploy, these technologies to advance cancer care.
The challenge
Advanced diagnostics – though currently largely only available in clinical trials or specialist hospitals – are expected to lead to significant improvements in cancer outcomes in years to come. They utilise a precision medicine approach, allowing more people to benefit from targeted, effective treatments.
Yet without careful planning, access to these technologies will vary considerably. Complex regulatory and reimbursement pathways, inadequate infrastructure and workforce capacity, among other factors, are limiting access to diagnostic technologies that have been available for decades. These inequalities must be understood and addressed so that they do not worsen when advanced diagnostics become available in health systems. Otherwise health systems in Europe will not be able to realise the full benefits of these innovative technologies.
What we achieved
- The policy report was the first of its kind to distil highly complex information related to the vast field of advanced diagnostics into an accessible resource suitable for lay audiences
- We carefully balanced information related to very different innovative technologies – as well as insights from multiple stakeholders and funders – to deliver an objective overview of a complex and evolving field
- We built this information into a coherent narrative, offering policymakers clear, actionable steps to secure the integration of these innovations into health systems
- The report has been downloaded over 500 times, and posts about its launch received considerable engagement on LinkedIn
- The report formed the basis of a presentation and workshop in Brussels, which HPP facilitated. The workshop allowed participants to compare the situation in different European countries and create an action plan for their own country.
Core resources
Project information
This project was funded by AstraZeneca, GE HealthCare, Ibex Medical Analytics, Sophia Genetics and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Please see the project page for the full list of people who contributed to this work.
Get in touch
To find out more about our work on advanced diagnostics, contact Jody Tate, Chief Executive Officer.
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