The advantages and shortages of academic research in Europe

Substantial progress in treatment of breast cancer, reflected in falling mortality rates in many countries, is a direct result of more than half a century of sustained commitment to randomized clinical trials. Modern clinical trials often seek subtle but important improvements of outcomes in small, biologically distinct sub-groups of patients, which will have an important impact on overall survival. In addition, clinical research, which aims at developing new treatment strategies and not at registering new drugs alone is vital for improving quality of patient care. To achieve these goals a multi-national academi…