Mission & History

The European Consortium for Histiocytosis (ECHO) is a collaborative group of professionals and patient/parent national group representatives for a common goal.

Mission

To improve medical care received by patients with histiocytosis and their families in Europe by fostering cooperation among health-care professionals, scientists, and patient and parent associations, carrying research, pursuing education, and providing advocacy.

Vision

To be a key player in the Global Histiocytosis Network

Objectives

  • Develop an European scientific agenda for histiocytosis
  • Coordinate European research projects
  • Foster knowledge exchange within ECHO
  • Adopt guidelines for clinical care
  • Provide qualified information to doctors, scientists and patients through this web portal.

History

The inaugural meeting of ECHO took place in Killashee Hotel near Dublin, Ireland on October 16, 2016. Seventeen physicians and scientists with special interest in histiocytosis from nine European countries expressed interest for a close and coordinated collaboration within Europe. The ECHO was founded led by the idea to:

  • create an identity of the European Histiocytosis community
  • attain recognition as an expert group and leader in the field
  • establish a platform for scientific exchange, activities and their coordination
  • serve as advisor / stakeholder in healthcare projects and initiatives on European level
  • sustain the accomplishments of the already closed EuroHistioNet grant and increase potential for further support by the EU
  • To build a strong voice for advocacy activities
  • To become a strong partner of NACHO (North American Consortium for Histiocytosis) under the umbrella of the Histiocyte Society

Subsequent Meetings

  • Cambridge, UK, Nov 23, 2017 (Sponsored by HistioUK)
  • Lisbon, Portugal, Oct 21, 2018 (at the Histiocyte Society Annual Meeting)
  • Paris, France, April 6, 2019 (incl. Patient/Family Groups)
  • Prague, Czech Republic, May 20, 2019 (at the 1st SIOPE Congress)
  • ECHO Virtual Meeting, Oct 2, 2019
  • First Joint (virtual) Meeting of ECHO and the European Patient/Family Support Groups, April 17, 2021