The International Collaboration for Cancer Classification and Research

Gaps in the translation of research findings to clinical management have been recognized for decades. They exist for the diagnosis as well as the management of cancer. The international standards for cancer diagnosis are contained within the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumours, published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and known worldwide as the WHO Blue Books. In addition to their relevance to individual patients, these volumes provide a valuable contribution to cancer research and surveillance, fulfilling an important role in scientific evidence synthesis and international standard setting. However, the multidimensional nature of cancer classification, the way in which the WHO Classification of Tumours is constructed, and the scientific information overload in the field pose important challenges for the translation of research findings to tumour classification and hence cancer diagnosis. To help address these challenges, we have established the International Collaboration for Cancer Classification and Research (IC3R) to provide a forum for the coordination of efforts in evidence generation, standard setting and best practice recommendations in the field of tumour classification. The first IC3R meeting, held in Lyon, France, in February 2019, gathered representatives of major institutions involved in tumour classification and related fields to identify and discuss translational challenges in data comparability, standard setting, quality management, evidence evaluation and copyright, as well as to develop a collaborative plan for addressing these challenges. What's new? The World Health Organization Classification of Tumours has been informing cancer research and clinical practice by providing an international consensus on the tumour criteria for cancer diagnosis. In a new initiative coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, major institutions are now joining forces to address the remaining challenges in translational research and facilitate the application of research results to clinical practice. The newly‐established International Collaboration for Cancer Classification and Research (IC3R) aims to provide a forum for the coordination of efforts in generating evidence, setting standards, and providing best practice recommendations for tumor classification and cancer research.