Driving the uptake of medical technologies in cancer care
MedTech Europe’s Cancer Sector Group has published a report following its first high-level policy event, “Driving the uptake of medical technologies in cancer care: Bridging innovation and access,” hosted by MEP Michalis Hadjipantela at the European Parliament on 9 June 2026.
The event brought together representatives of the European Parliament, European Commission, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, health system experts and the medical technology industry to discuss how Europe can ensure that proven innovations reach patients more quickly and equitably.
Across the discussions, participants highlighted that medical technologies are already transforming cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. Digital tools, artificial intelligence, advanced imaging, molecular testing, liquid biopsy and digital pathology can support earlier detection, more accurate diagnoses and increasingly personalised treatment decisions.
However, innovation alone is not enough. Uneven reimbursement, infrastructure gaps, regulatory complexity, limited data interoperability and workforce constraints continue to delay the adoption of proven technologies across Europe. As a result, access to high-quality screening, diagnostics and treatment remains inconsistent both between and within Member States.
The report calls for stronger investment in screening, diagnostics, innovative treatment, and technical and digital infrastructure. It also underlines the need to modernise reimbursement and funding frameworks, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and ensure that regulatory systems support both patient safety and innovation.
Importantly, the discussions emphasised that progress in cancer care should not be assessed through survival rates alone. Quality of life, survivorship, patient experience and timely access to care must also be recognised as core measures of success.
The Cancer Sector Group will continue working with policymakers, healthcare professionals, patients and other stakeholders to support the implementation of Europe’s cancer ambitions and help create the conditions for medical technologies to be adopted consistently across the cancer care pathway.
Alongside the report, the Cancer Sector Group has developed two one-pagers presenting stakeholder insights and final recommendations on advancing early detection in cancer and improving treatment and care for cancer patients.
Explore the MedTech Europe Cancer Sector Group one-pagers:
Read the full event report below.
Posted on 31.07.2026