6th Health Region of Greece

Professor Apostolos Vantarakis, representing 6th Health Region of Greece (6th DYPEDE), participated in the workshop “Clinical Studies in Oncology: Information, Knowledge, Safety” on 6 June 2026, highlighting the importance of clinical research, prevention and early diagnosis as interconnected pillars of modern cancer care.

Professor Vantarakis

During his intervention, Professor Vantarakis emphasised that clinical studies form the foundation of medical progress, enabling the evaluation of new medicines, innovative therapeutic approaches and advanced technologies that improve both survival outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients. He noted that clinical trials provide patients with access to emerging treatment options while supporting the development of personalised, evidence-based medicine.

Supporting Effective Screening Policies

Particular emphasis was placed on the role of prevention and cancer screening as key instruments for reducing cancer incidence and mortality. In this context, Professor Vantarakis presented the EUCanScreen project, which seeks to strengthen and expand cancer screening programmes across Europe through the development of common tools and methodologies, the exchange of expertise and the use of scientific evidence to support effective screening policies.

Professor Vantarakis highlighted the significant contribution of 6th Health Region of Greece (6th DYPEDE) and the University of Patras to the project, stressing that international collaboration and scientific evidence are essential prerequisites for the development of effective public health policies.

Involving 18 European Countries.

During his address, he also announced that 6th DYPEDE will participate over the next three years in a new European Joint Action on clinical trials involving 18 European countries. The organisation will have an active role in two work packages, further strengthening Greece’s international presence in clinical research and creating new opportunities for innovative health initiatives.

Professor Vantarakis further underlined that patient safety remains a fundamental principle of every clinical study. He referred to the strict European and international standards governing clinical research, which ensure the protection of participants’ health, rights and personal data throughout the research process.

Close Cooperation

Concluding his remarks, Professor Vantarakis stressed that effective cancer control requires the integration of prevention, early diagnosis, clinical research and innovation, supported by close cooperation among scientific institutions, healthcare professionals, universities, patient organisations and public authorities. Initiatives such as EUCanScreen, together with the continued advancement of clinical research, offer significant opportunities to improve cancer prevention, treatment and quality of life for patients across Greece and Europe.