ESMO welcomes the outcome of the hearings for Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner-designate for Health and Animal Welfare, where several topics relevant for the oncology community were addressed in a positive or at least promising way. “Voicing the needs of more than 40,000 members worldwide, with one third based in the EU, and the patients they represent, ESMO will actively monitor the policy implementation and enactment to ensure that all the promises are fully implemented towards a meaningful delivery of the Beating Cancer Plan (BPC), as advocated by ESMO,” says Jean-Yves Blay, ESMO Director of Public Policy.
As outlined in the ESMO Manifesto, key areas that ESMO asked for were covered by the Commissioner-designate:
- ESMO called to revise the Tobacco Products Directive to address the emerging risks from e-cigarettes: Várhelyi emphasised the necessity of building on the EU Health Union’s achievements, underscoring that tackling tobacco use is crucial for cancer prevention
- ESMO asked for an expedite review of the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR) to foster the dynamism of the EU research ecosystem; Várhelyi reaffirmed his commitment to positioning Europe as a leader in health innovation, particularly in the realms of digital health, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medical devices
Tobacco consumption remains a leading cause of preventable illness and premature death, contributing to many forms of cancer, but also new products (1, 2) like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, along with the rapid rise in vaping among adults who had never smoked before, pose significant health risks. “We welcome Commissioner Várhelyi’s commitment to implementing stricter controls on vaping, his stance on tackling tobacco use, together with a thorough review of relevant policies, which are crucial for cancer prevention,” said Blay.
ESMO is also pleased with Commissioner-designate Várhelyi’s confirmation of a legislative proposal for the IVDR for the end of Q1 2025. “We urge that efforts towards its implementation be concentrated on addressing infrastructure, guidance, and coordination. Hundreds of trials are being delayed in Europe due to these unintended consequences which combine to pose an existential threat to Europe’s role as a leader in global oncological research,” said Blay.
ESMO looks forward to seeing the critical aspects that concern the oncology community addressed by the new Commissioner and urges that they be considered in the shortest possible time. “ESMO is pleased to see the Commission renewing its efforts to maximise the potential of the Beating Cancer Plan. Thanks to our collective oncological knowledge and experience in the development and monitoring of evidence-based policies, we shall stand ready to offer our support whenever necessary,” Blay concluded.
References
- Herzog C, Jones A, Evans I, et al. Cigarette Smoking and E-cigarette Use Induce Shared DNA Methylation Changes Linked to Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research, 2024;84 (11): 1898–1914. https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-2957
- Similar DNA changes found in cells of both smokers and e-cigarette users