We are delighted to share with you the BIG Annual Report for 2010 - shaping the future.
Download BIG Annual report 2010
In 2010 BIG forged ahead with the consolidation of its operational structures as well as its scientific platforms in order to streamline the path ahead for even greater successes to come in the combat of breast cancer.
Due to BIG's increasing scope, in 2010 BIG's governance structure was overhauled, which saw the expansion of the Executive Board and the creation of an Advisory Council. This was not the only significant step made to strengthen the association's internal structure. For example, BIG formalised its three main "clinical trial models" and in the process updated numerous BIG guidelines and standard operating procedures. Also the BIG Headquarters underwent increased "scientification" by hiring additional members of staff in order to solidify BIG's operational platform.
The development of BIG's data-sharing platform really took flight in 2010 and also represents a step towards easing and improving our future research efforts. Several grants were obtained to support this important initiative, amongst which the most notable is INTEGRATE, a project supported by the European Commission Framework Programme VII. Equally, work to create a web-based inventory of all the biomaterials collected in the course of BIG trials commenced in 2010.
It is with a hint of sadness but without regret that 2010 represented our final year of the TRANSBIG Consortium under the EU Framework Programme VI. BIG and the entire Network of Excellence truly served its purpose to help advance individualised treatment for breast cancer patients. Testament to this are the many successes related to the still ongoing MINDACT trial, the highly valuable MINDACT biobank, the 10 young oncologists from several corners of the world who have participated in our traineeship programme, the MINDACT patient DVD and the numerous other endeavours that we can all be proud to have coordinated or participated in.
Our research endeavours were far from stagnant in 2010: 11 open trials, 15 trials in follow-up, 4 in development and 3 closed trials showcase our ongoing level of commitment. The NeoBIG trials were a main area of focus, as were the activities of several working groups and task forces. Another proud moment in 2010 was the hosting of the 2nd IMPAKT Conference, which exceeded expectations and introduced a popular new educational and networking opportunity in the form of a Poster Walking Session.
Together, this impressive assembly of partners can all look forward to not only shaping the future of breast cancer research but also to leading that future...
 |
 |
 |
 |
Martine J Piccart, MD, PhD
BIG Chair |
Aron Goldhirsch, MD, PhD
BIG Vice-chair |