4th European Conference of Oncology Pharmacy 25-27 October | Nantes, France.

We are very proud that ECOP4 is not only recognised scientifically by fellow oncology pharmacists worldwide, but politically as well – the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis, has taken over the patronage for ECOP4. Please find below his letter of welcome.

Welcome from EU Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis I am very pleased that Europe's oncology community is meeting this year in Nantes to discuss the latest developments in this very important field of health care. I would like to thank the organisers for their tireless dedication and hard work to bring together participants from different professions and disciplines to look at pharmacy oncology from a holistic perspective.

This year's themes will allow pharmacists, physicians, nurses and the industry to exchange information in clinical and practical sessions on topics such as immunotherapy, pharmacovigilance and ensuring the patients' comfort and quality of life, to name just a few.

We at the European Commission remain deeply committed to a holistic health in all policies approach to support our Member States in the ongoing fight against cancer and other non-communicable diseases. The EU Health Programme co-financed the publication of the European Guide on Quality Improvement in Comprehensive Cancer Control to help share good practice solutions for improving national cancer programmes. We also continue to support the European Code Against Cancer, a 12 step programme for reducing cancer risk by introducing lifestyle changes. These include reducing tobacco use and alcohol consumption as well as exercising more. Nonetheless, we are fighting these preventable factors through initiatives such as the Action Plan on Youth Drinking and on Heavy Episodic Drinking.

Let's not forget the importance of oncology pharmacy and medicine for those suffering from cancer.  I believe that it is our shared objective to ensure that the EU regulatory environment delivers on patient-driven innovation; including anti-cancer medicines. The Commission has authorised in recent years many new medicinal products in this area, based on the scientific assessment conducted by the European Medicines Agency.  It is important that these medicines bring added therapeutic value and reach patients quickly. We are working on the ongoing challenge of finding the balance between adequate incentives for research and development, equitable access to medicines for all and the sustainability of health systems.

Also, in February 2019, a new EU medicines authentication system will be in place, protecting patients and pharmacists from falsified medicines. Pharmacists will need to verify the authenticity of medicines before dispensing them to patients. The new system will help to protect our most vulnerable patients by ensuring that cancer medicines in the legal supply chain are authentic, effective and safe.

The landscape we see in oncology pharmacy is changing very quickly with new research and development. I am happy to see you exchanging your knowledge and solutions every two years.

Have a successful and informative conference.

Vytenis Andriukaitis 
European Commissioner for Health & Food Safety

We look forward to welcoming you to Nantes, 25-27 October 2018, for the 4th European Conference of Oncology Pharmacy!

Key dates for your diary:

ECOP4 Secretariat

Tel: +32 2 775 02 01

Email: ecop4@ecco-org.eu
Website: www.ecco-org.eu/ecop4
Twitter: #ECOP4

European Society of Oncology Pharmacy
Veritaskai 6, D 21079 Hamburg
Tel: 0049 - 40 466 500 300
Mail: membershipservice@esop.li

Fax: 0049 - 40 466 500 100
Web: www.esop.li