Although development of new and innovative therapies is critical for improving cancer care, the primary interests of the EORTC remain with clinical trials that investigate strategic therapeutic questions that will influence medical practice or will fundamentally improve the understanding of a disease.

The EORTC has built an important part of its success on the multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, and this remains the principal strength of the EORTC. However, the present-day multidisciplinary approach to research into cancers and their treatment in the clinic also encompasses pathologists, imaging specialists, and laboratory scientists through translational research programs that must be integrated into clinical trials. Hence translational research is an essential component of the EORTC Scientific Strategy, and it contributes to the ability to distinguish between a `simple' trial and high quality academically driven studies.