Covid-19 update: Patient safety is paramount

Patients must come first: EORTC will take all measures necessary to ensure that trials continue

Following on from the actions taken by a number of European countries to try to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, EORTC is liaising with its members to monitor the developments in their institutions and countries.

“Patient safety is paramount to us, and we will do everything we can to ensure that patients in trials still receive treatment for their disease,” says Dr Denis Lacombe, Director General of EORTC. “As Europe starts to close down its borders, we are watching the supply of cancer drugs for trials, as well any other emerging issues and limitations related to clinical research.”

EORTC will continue to provide services and to ensure that there is minimal impact on its activities. EORTC HQ staff have been requested to work from home until 3 April.

“We will do whatever we can to safeguard the health and safety of patients on EORTC clinical trials, our staff, and our members. Our thoughts are with those families who have been greatly affected by this pandemic, and we will do all we can to help and protect them.”

Update: Following the announcement of the Belgian Federal Government on March 27, home working for EORTC staff has been extended to April 19.