HISTORY
ETOP (European Thoracic Oncology Platform) was founded in 2009 as a not-for-profit organization. It was initiated in response to concerns raised by European investigators, expressing the need to better promote and conduct academic research in thoracic malignancies across borders. Since, it has become one of the leading European foundations performing international clinical and translational studies.
IBCSG (International Breast Cancer Study Group) was formed in 1977 as the “Ludwig Breast Cancer Study Group”. When the Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research decided in 1985 to focus on laboratory research, the group continued as IBCSG, legally established as a not-for-profit foundation in 1992. IBCSG and its investigators were renowned for their clinical and translational research in breast cancer. In particular, the group pioneered the research in combined hormone- and chemotherapy, timing and duration of adjuvant therapies, as well as improving quality of life. IBCSG stands for a number of practice-changing studies in the field of breast cancer.
As of July 1, 2021, ETOP and IBCSG have merged to form the joint entity ETOP IBCSG Partners Foundation. The foundation brings together strong partners which collectively have a global reach for the implementation of collaborative projects. By joining forces, the position as an international academic research organization was further strengthened.