LONDON, December 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The Economist Events' second annual War on Cancer 2016, held in London on Tuesday, was host to some of the highest profile leaders in oncology from across the field and around Europe. Discussions at the summit explored innovative approaches to cancer prevention and treatment, solutions to overcome shortcomings in delivery and examples of best practice and opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration.

The event gathered over 150 global influencers, government ministers, private sector CEOs, academia, healthcare professionals and high-level national and international media from around Europe.

Andreas Penk, regional president oncology, international developed markets, Pfizer commented: "We see more and more possibilities on the horizon to cure specific cancers. Personalized medicine and immuno-oncology will lead the way and bridge until the next generation of medicine is ready. Curing is a game changer. All involved parties should start to work together on innovative solutions in care, contracting, pricing, and regulatory to make sure we translate the possible into reality."

Mahiben Maruthappu, co-founder, NHS Innovation Accelerator, said: " Whilst great technological advancements have already been made in the war against cancer, it is of great importance that research and development continues in order to continue to deliver innovative new treatments.This event provides a platform for global leaders from across the industry to discuss what the future might hold and ensure health care systems are prepared."

Speakers offered contrasting and thought-provoking commentary on how to deal with the most pressing of sector trends leading to lively debate amongst the delegates. Topics covered included optimising national cancer control plans, cancer in the context of health care systems, the promise and peril of health-tech convergence and mobilising action and inspiring change.

Key speakers at the summit included: 

• Matti Aapro, board member, European Cancer Organisation
• Cary Adams,chief executive officer, Union for International Cancer Control
• Tit Albreht, coordinator, Cancer Control Joint Action (CanCon);head, National Institute of Public Health of Slovenia
• Kathi Apostolidis, vice-president, European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC); president of Executive Committee, Hellenic Cancer Federation - ELL.O.K
• Frauke Becker, research associate, Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University
• John Bell, regius professor of medicine, University of Oxford; chairman, Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research (OSCHR)
• Jurgi Camblong,chief executive officer and co-founder, Sophia Genetics
• Josep Figueras, director, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies; head, World Health Organization European Centre on Health Policy
• George Freeman, member oparliament for Mid Norfolk and chair, Prime Minister's Policy Board
• David Khayat, head of the department of Oncology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital and professor of Oncology, University Pierre and Marie Curie
• Bryony Kimmings, creator of the musical 'A Pacifist's Guide to the War on Cancer'
• Jane Maher, chief medical officer, Macmillan Cancer Support
• Lydia Makaroff, director, European Cancer Patient Coalition
• Mahiben Maruthappu, co-founder, NHS Innovation Accelerator
• Maya Martinez - Davis, senior vice-president, Global Head of Oncology Franchise, Merck KGaA
• Vivek Muthu, chair, Economist Intelligence Unit Healthcare
• Annie Pannelay, healthcare principal, Economist Intelligence Unit
• Terje Peetso,policy officer, directorate-general communications networks, content and technology, European Commission
• Andreas Penk, regional president oncology, international developed markets, Pfizer
• Jem Rashbass, national director for disease registration, Public Health England
• Gunnar Saeter, professor and head of institute, Institute for Cancer Research - Olso University Hospital
• Katherine Smith, reader- global public health unit, University of Edinburgh
• Zhen Su, vice-president, US Oncology Medical Affairs, EMD Serono
• Richard Sullivan, professor of cancer and global health, King's College London; Director, Institute of Cancer Policy
• Frans van Houten, chief executive and chairman, Philips
• Paul Workman,chief executive officer and president, The Institute of Cancer Research London; Harrap Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Tweet via @EconomistEvents #WaronCancer

Press enquiries

Lindsey Neville

Email: waroncancer2016@consilium-comms.com

Tel: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

-ENDS-

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Founding sponsor: Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. We are committed to changing survival expectations in hard-to-treat cancers and the way patients live with cancer through our pioneering, comprehensive Immuno-Oncology portfolio and clinical program as well as research collaborations with academia and biotech companies.

Founding sponsor: Merck
Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines of both chemical and biological origin in specialist indications. We have an enduring commitment to deliver novel therapies in our core focus areas including oncology and immuno-oncology; supporting patients with cancer. Merck has a robust pipeline of potential therapies in oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology.

Gold sponsor: Pfizer Oncology
Pfizer Oncology is focused on helping to redefine life with cancer. By maximizing our internal scientific resources and collaborating with other companies, government and academic institutions, we bring together the brightest and most enterprising minds to take on the toughest cancers, helping speed breakthrough treatments to patients around the world.

Silver Sponsor: Novartis
Novartis Oncology is a global leader in providing a broad range of innovative therapies to help improve the lives of cancer patients.

Silver Sponsor: Varian Medical Systems
Global manufacturer of medical devices and software for treating cancer with radiotherapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy and brachytherapy.

About Consilium Strategic Communications
Consilium Strategic Communications is a global leader in providing trusted, healthcare-focused strategic IR and financial PR counsel to corporations, Boards, senior decision makers and executives. From offices in Europe and USA, Consilium Strategic Communications' senior team provides cross-border comprehensive financial and corporate healthcare communications advice to some of the world's most prominent corporations around-the-clock. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.consilium-comms.com