FAQs
Hospitals can apply to join EURACAN through calls for new members coordinated at the European level. Applicant centres must be endorsed by their National Health Authority anddemonstrate recognised expertise in rare cancers, multidisciplinary care, research activity and the ability to contribute to the objectives of the network. As for now, no call for application is scheduled.
One of EURACAN’s objectives is to work alongside national healthcare systems and cancer networks to complement existing expertise. In the upcoming years, the ultimate goal would be to have EURACAN as a network of national networks and therefore EURACAN aims athelping countries set national networks if not existing already.
The Clinical Patient Management System (CPMS) is a secure digital platform used byEuropean Reference Networks. It allows clinicians to share medical information and discusspatient cases with experts from across Europe in a safe and structured environment. More information here.
EURACAN connects specialised healthcare professionals from expert centres across Europe.When a case is complex or involves a rare cancer, doctors can consult with a multidisciplinary group of specialists within the network. By sharing expertise, clinical experience and currentevidence, EURACAN helps clinicians make more informed decisions about diagnosis, treatment options and patient management.
EURACAN brings together specialists from accredited expert centres across Europe. When a case is reviewed, experts with relevant experience in that particular rare cancer type can jointhe discussion remotely. This allows clinicians to benefit from international expertise without requiring the patient to travel.
Cases referred to EURACAN typically involve rare cancers, complex diagnoses, unusual presentations, or situations where treatment decisions are particularly challenging. Physicians may also seek EURACAN expertise when specialised multidisciplinary input or experience with rare tumour types is required.
Clinicians affiliated with EURACAN centres can submit cases through the CPMS platform for multidisciplinary discussion. More information here.
Healthcare providers that wish to join EURACAN must meet specific criteria defined at European level. These criteria assess expertise in rare cancers, multidisciplinary care, research activity, infrastructure and quality of care. Centres are selected through an evaluation process coordinated at the European level.
EURACAN collaborates with patient organisations to ensure that the perspectives and needs of patients are reflected in the network’s activities. Patient representatives contribute to registries, discussions on care pathways, information resources, and awareness initiatives related to rare cancers. See all collaborating patient organisations here.
Individual patients cannot directly access EURACAN. However, with the patient's consent, healthcare providers can exchange information and consult the appropriate ERN member under national health regulations. Patients should always consult their own treating physician, who may collaborate with EURACAN experts when needed. Nevertheless, patients can access an expert centre with self-referral by browsing the EURACAN map of expert centres across the EU and contacting them.
When a case is submitted to EURACAN, relevant medical information is shared securely through the network’s collaboration platform. Specialists from different expert centres review the case and discuss it within a multidisciplinary team. The group may provide recommendations on diagnosis, treatment options or additional tests that could support the patient’s care. The final clinical decision always remains with the treating physician.
Yes. In many cases, your local doctor can request expert advice from EURACAN while continuing to manage your care locally. This allows patients to benefit from specialised expertise while remaining under the care of their treating physician.
Yes. In many cases, your local doctor can request expert advice from EURACAN whilecontinuing to manage your care locally. This allows patients to benefit from specialised expertise while remaining under the care of their treating physician.
EURACAN supports education and knowledge sharing through workshops, webinars, training initiatives and participation in scientific events. These activities aim to improve expertise in the diagnosis and management of rare cancers across Europe. All relevant resources can be found here.