Rethinking Cancer – An evening dedicated to research, responsibility, and networking

On September 11, 2025, the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Vienna of the Medical University of Vienna and the Vienna General Hospital invited guests to a networking reception entitled “Rethinking Cancer: From Research to Responsibility – Shaping the Future of Cancer Together” in Vienna's Volksgarten park. The focus of the evening was on strengthening cooperation in the fight against cancer.

Michaela Fritz, Vice Rector of MedUni Vienna, emphasized the central role of CCC Vienna as a center of excellence in clinical care and a hub for interdisciplinary research—from basic to translational research. She said it was particularly pleasing that stakeholders from research, healthcare, and patient advocacy were actively networking here. 

Shahrokh Shariat, head of CCC Vienna, emphasized shared responsibility. “The future of cancer will not be written by chance, but by the choices we make together.” The motto of the evening was clear: “End Cancer For Life” – a bold but necessary mission.

Mission Cancer: A European and national project
The focus was also on the EU's “Cancer” mission, a new instrument of European research policy that addresses major societal challenges such as cancer with a portfolio of measures comprising research, political initiatives, and legislation. Elisabeth Tischelmayer (BMBWF) and Eva Claudia Lang (BMASGPK), the two co-chairs of the Mission Action Group (MAG) Cancer, emphasized the importance of national solidarity. The National Action Plan developed by the MAG is already being implemented with concrete steps. A milestone in this plan is the Austrian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN) – an association of all three Austrian medical universities (Vienna, Graz, and Innsbruck) and their CCCs. This network is a central component of the national cancer strategy and has been recognized as an important step toward holistic care and research.

Eva Claudia Lang emphasized: “MAG Cancer has the potential to serve as a central networking platform for all stakeholders to address the major and complex challenges in the field of cancer. Essential partners in this endeavor are the federal states as well as social partners and other organizations such as the Chamber of Physicians, without whom such activities would not be possible, including from a financial perspective.”

Patients in the center
Thomas Derntl from the Alliance of Oncology Patient Organizations sent a strong message by presenting the perspective of those affected. He emphasized that patient advocates play an essential role in research, education, and care—not only as representatives, but also as active contributors to the healthcare system. For this to work well, structured, legally enshrined opportunities for participation need to be established, along with qualified training for patient advocates, evidence-based consideration of patient needs in all phases of the disease and aftercare, and clear financing structures for patient representatives.

Christine Németh, a member of the Cancer School management team, then presented the Cancer School at CCC Vienna, which aims to empower patients, relatives, and interested parties with knowledge about cancer.

Research, young talent, visions
Further short pitch talks showed:

• Clemens Aigner, Head of the University Clinic for Thoracic Surgery and host of Cancer Update Lung Cancer, presented the “Cancer Update 2026” program.
• Franziska Eckert, Co-Coordinator of YoungCCC, presented the work being done with young talent.
• Nicole Concin, Head of the University Clinic for Gynecology, gave a short report on the CCC TRIO 2025 symposium, highlighting how cooperation is already being successfully implemented throughout Austria in the ACCN and internationally.
• Maria Sibilia, Head of the Center for Cancer Research, provided insight into current research grants and invited attendees to the Cancer Research Run 2025 and the CCC Lounge there on October 4.

Outlook: Taking responsibility
The event was not only a meeting place for researchers, clinicians, patient representatives, stakeholders, industry, and the media, but also sent a strong signal for cooperation across disciplines, institutions, and borders. The future of cancer control requires not only research, but also responsibility. At Rethinking Cancer, many research collaborations were initiated or deepened.