NEWS

Fanny, originally from Paris, France joined EORTC as an ECRF Statistics Research Fellow in August 2024 and has been making an impact since then.

Originally from Paris, France, Fanny holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Nantes University. She completed two one-year Master’s programs—one in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at Saclay University, and another in Statistics, Modelling, and Data Science at Sorbonne University. In August 2024, she joined the EORTC as a Statistics Research Fellow.

Throughout my MA in Biostatistics, much practical work with patients was conducted in simulated settings-not on real patients. Having maintained a strong interest in public health after studies, I sought out opportunities where I could apply what I learnt, in real life, with real data. I also wanted to work abroad. Belgium was the easiest choice as I speak French and being close to France, means that I can see family. I initially did an internship with ULB, then applied for a PhD/Assistant position at UCL. The job was too theoretical for me. In choosing to do a Fellowship at EORTC, I knew that I could work with real patients and make an impact.

During these first six months, I worked on the following projects:

• RP-1843 Molecular characterization of rare cancers-Arcagen- where the primary objectives are to establish a genomic screening platform for rare tumours by characterizing the genomic alterations of rare cancers. Genomic screens enable modulation of hundreds of genes to identify genetic pathways, cellular processes and new therapeutic targets;
• A pre-project on rare sarcomas- the objective of this project was to establish an overview of available databases on rare sarcomas and study in detail the adult fibrosarcoma-(fibroblastic sarcoma) a tumour derived from fibrous connective tissue and rhabdomyosarcoma-a highly aggressive form of cancer that develops from cells found in bone marrow amongst other areas of the body;
• RP-2252-Final analysis for 1420 ‘Best of’;
• RP-2359: Competing mortalities and safety risks in the older adults-To identify risk of mortality in older.vs. younger cancer patients and support the adoption of frailty screening in clinical trials, so as to identify what leads to higher risk of mortality, particularly in the older adults.

The study of rare cancers can show a scientific and research path for other tumours. The knowledge generated can also be applied to more common cancers, particularly since conducting trials in rare cancers can be challenging due to the limited number of patients, which may reduce interest from the pharmaceutical industry.

By running these Fellowships, EORTC is investing in ‘rough diamonds’ -young people like myself should get a chance to have a job. We arrive full of motivation and desire to learn-and offer new ways of thinking about subjects. The International aspect is really important as it creates an incentive to adapt to new cultures and amazing opportunities for development. By giving us this opportunity, EORTC is investing in the future of oncology. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the EORTC Cancer Research Fund (ECRF) for its financial support!

The EORTC Fellowship is the best first job you can ever have. I am already working and still learning. The methodologies we use are changing all the time-there is always something new to do. EORTC offers a truly global perspective on research-you are sometimes working with celebrities in oncology! With rare cancers there is a lot of variety too-I sometimes work on cancers that do not even have methodology yet. In the near future, getting a manuscript published in a renowned journal or having the opportunity to present my research at a major scientific congress would be a personal highlight for me.

A fact about EORTC that others don’t know about? Knowing that Dr. Denis Lacombe, the current CEO of EORTC, was once a Fellow himself allows us to dream big when it comes to our own career paths. It’s also inspiring to see the truly global impact and reach of the organization.

You can also help support EORTC’s game-changing clinical research to unleash scientific breakthrough and transform cancer patients’ lives. Learn how to GET INVOLVED, or Make a Contribution Now.