Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres Network (ECMC) shared on LinkedIn:
“At ESMO 2026, the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres (ECMC) Network joined other early-phase oncology research consortia for the 4th CONNECT Meeting, bringing together colleagues from across the globe to share experiences, identify common challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Through CONNECT, the ECMC Network is working alongside other early-phase consortia to strengthen clinical trial delivery, share expertise and explore approaches that could improve patient access to innovative cancer treatments.
The meeting focused on four collaborative priorities:
- Workforce development
- Hybrid and decentralized clinical trials (DCT)
- Patient referral and navigation
- Industry engagement
What emerged across the discussions?
Despite differences in healthcare systems, regulatory environments and research infrastructure, many challenges facing early-phase oncology research are shared internationally.
There was strong interest in moving beyond identifying shared challenges towards practical collaborative outputs, prioritizing areas of greatest unmet need while also identifying achievable, near-term opportunities for progress.
For the ECMC Network, CONNECT provides an opportunity to contribute UK expertise while learning from international approaches to early-phase trial delivery, with the shared aim of reducing barriers and improving equitable access to experimental cancer treatments for patients.”
To which, Jia Jenny Liu, Conjoint Associate Professor at UNSW, added:
“Delighted to co-chair the CONNECT Consortium alongside Lesley Seymour and Natalie Cook, bringing together international early-phase oncology research networks to share expertise, tackle common challenges and improve patient access to innovative therapies.
Great to see the momentum from our 4th meeting at ESMO26!
The next step is turning shared challenges into tangible collaborative solutions.
Grateful to our international partners, including the ECMC Network, for their continued engagement and leadership.”
Other articles about ESMO 2026 on OncoDaily.