ABOUT CENTEAST

Welcome

The burden of cervical cancer in the Central Asia and East Europe region is substantially higher than in the rest of Europe, with increasing trends of incidence and mortality in several countries. Approximately 40,000 women develop cervical cancer and 20,000 die from the disease yearly in this region. Consequently, in several Central Asia and East Europe countries, at least one woman in 50 will develop cervical cancer before the age of 75 year (1, 2, 3) .

An increasing number of valuable studies on gynecological cancer field have been presented in the literature over recent years in these regions. Based on the burden of cervical cancer in these regions and with the aim of conducting translational and clinical researches in all gynaecological fields, we planned to found a new research network.

Initially as a network of seven (Turkey, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan) of “Central Asia and East Europe regional clinical trials groups”, the Central Asia and East Europe Trial Group (CENTEast) is a research network and was founded to provide active support to gynaecological researches and advancement in prevention, diagnostics and treatment of patients with gynecologic malignancies.

Our aim is to coordinate and conduct international translational and clinical researches to improve the standard of cancer treatment for patients, as well as active involvement in increasing the expertise and quality of gynaecological-oncological care in the region of Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

The current statement does not define academic trials but is the result of a consensus between the 7 involved trial groups on the foundation of CENTEast. A temporary president and a scientific committee were appointed until the first meeting of the working group.

Firstly we are planning to publish annually one to two “retrospective, multinational and multicenter” papers collaboratively. Proposals for new retrospective trials may be submitted to the president who shall forward it to the members of the Scientific Committee for clinical trials. In case of approval of the protocol, association of the trial group will provide necessary sponsorshipness for the study and it will be assigned a trial number.

Central Asia and East Europe Trial Groups’ requirements for prospective multinational trials between academic groups will be determined collectively and discussed during the general assembly meeting. After this meeting, a consensus text will be sent to all the trial groups for comments and approval.

Currently, 12 trial groups are members of the CENTEast. The names and affiliations of founder members are as follows:

Turkey, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Ukraine, Greece, China and India

References

  • Arbyn M, Castellsague X, de Sanjose S, Bruni L, Saraiya M, Bray F, et al. Worldwide burden of cervical cancer in 2008. Ann Oncol 2011; 22: 2675–86.
  • Bray F, Lortet-Tieulent J, Znaor A, Brotons M, Poljak M, Arbyn M. Patterns and Trends in Human Papillomavirus-Related Diseases in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Vaccine 2013; 31S: H32–45.
  • Poljak M, Rogovskaya SI, Kesić V, Bray F, Berkhof J, Seme K, Brotons M, Castellsagué X, Syrjänen S, Arbyn M, Bosch FX. Recommendations for cancerprevention in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. 2013 Dec 31;31 Suppl 7: H80-2