As the oncology community prepares for the upcoming presidential elections of the European Society for Medical Oncology, taking place from 19 May to 1 June 2026, Digestive Cancers Europe would like to highlight the candidacy of Professor Florian Lordick, a long-standing collaborator, respected leader in digestive cancer care, and champion for patient-centred oncology.

For many within the DiCE community, Professor Lordick is a trusted and familiar figure. Over the years, he has consistently engaged with patients, advocates, clinicians, and researchers through scientific collaboration, education, policy discussions, and multidisciplinary initiatives to improve outcomes for people affected by digestive cancers.

Currently Director of the University Cancer Centre Leipzig at Leipzig University, Professor Lordick is internationally recognised for his expertise in gastrointestinal cancers, precision oncology, supportive care, and translational research. He has also held numerous leadership roles within ESMO, including Director of Education and member of the ESMO Executive Committee, while contributing to major educational and scientific initiatives worldwide.

At the centre of his presidential vision is equity in oncology, ensuring that scientific progress and innovation benefit all patients equally, regardless of geography, background, or healthcare system. His programme also strongly emphasises meaningful patient partnership, recognising patients not simply as recipients of care but as active contributors to research, clinical trials, policy, and decision-making.

What makes Professor Lordick’s candidacy particularly meaningful for the cancer community is the strong alignment between his vision and many of the priorities that DiCE and patient advocates across Europe have long championed. For our community, this reflects an important recognition of the role patient organisations play in shaping more responsive and compassionate healthcare systems. His vision also highlights prevention, survivorship, precision oncology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the responsible use of digital health technologies and artificial intelligence to improve patient care and education.

Within DiCE, Professor Lordick is equally appreciated for his openness, kindness, and genuine willingness to listen to the patient community. These qualities have helped build strong collaborations grounded not only in scientific excellence but also in mutual respect and shared purpose.

Digestive Cancers Europe is grateful for the many years of collaboration with Professor Florian Lordick and looks forward to continuing to work together towards more equitable, patient-centred, and compassionate cancer care across Europe and beyond.

We warmly encourage all eligible ESMO Full Members to participate in the presidential election and to support Professor Florian Lordick’s candidacy between 19 May and 1 June 2026.

Cast your vote here.

Author:

Ruel Jacob