Safeguarding Cancer Care in Europe
Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) to Protect Vulnerable Patients
High-Level Policy Event at the European Parliament
Co-hosted by
MEP Kristian Vigenin (S&D, Bulgaria)
MEP Ondřej Dostál (NI, Czechia)
MEP Nikos Papandreou (S&D, Greece)
Antimicrobial resistance is rapidly becoming one of the most serious threats to safe and effective cancer treatment. This high-level policy dialogue brought together European policymakers, medical experts, researchers, patient leaders, and industry representatives to address the urgent need to protect cancer patients across Europe.
CPE’s Call to Safeguard Oncology Care
CPE launched its White Paper “Combating AMR in Oncology: A Strategic Imperative for EU Health Policy” at the European Parliament in Brussels.
Clinical Expertise and Lived Experience
Francisco Lozano (CPE Chair of the Board) and Prof. Matteo Bassetti (University of Genoa) set the clinical and policy context, issuing a stark warning: AMR must be recognised as a structural threat to cancer treatment. Without urgent action, decades of oncology progress risk being irreversibly undone.
CPE CEO Antonella Cardone presented the White Paper’s key findings: infections and sepsis contribute to around 50% of cancer patient deaths; cancer patients are three times more likely to die from infections than individuals without cancer; and one in three patients testing positive for an AMR pathogen die within the first month.
A panel discussion explored the need for antimicrobial innovation, equitable access to treatments, and the real human impact of resistant infections. Patient testimonies highlighting treatment delays, prolonged hospitalisations, and lasting health complications.
AMR Is Threatening Safe Cancer Treatment
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rapidly increasing across Europe, putting essential cancer treatments at risk. Antibiotics are critical to safely deliver chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and invasive diagnostic procedures. As resistant infections rise, cancer patients—often immunocompromised—face higher risks of complications, treatment delays, and mortality.
A Critical Policy Gap
Despite its direct impact on patient safety and treatment outcomes, AMR in oncology remains insufficiently addressed in European and national cancer and medicines policies. Ensuring reliable access to effective antimicrobials, strengthening preparedness, and supporting sustainable innovation are now urgent healthcare priorities.
Driving European Action
This high-level dialogue at the European Parliament brought together policymakers, clinical experts, researchers, patient leaders, and industry stakeholders to advance coordinated European action and ensure protecting cancer patients from AMR becomes a central health policy priority.
WITH THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF
