Spain is emerging as a leader in oncology, driven by advancements in research, innovative therapies, and a growing understanding of cancer biology. While cancer diagnoses are projected to rise, improvements in treatment are contributing to declining cancer-related deaths.
Rising Cancer Incidence in Spain
According to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and the Spanish Network of Cancer Registries (REDECAN), projections indicated 296,103 new cancer cases were expected in Spain in , a 3.3% increase from . Estimates suggest that the incidence of cancer in the country could surpass 350,000 cases by . This increase is attributed, in part, to Spain’s growing and aging population, with senior citizens being more prone to cancer. However, experts note that the rise in cases also reflects improvements in detection methods, leading to earlier diagnoses.
Specifically, tumors of the colon, rectum, urinary bladder, breast, and lung are anticipated to have the highest incidence rates. Despite these concerning statistics, there is optimism due to increased knowledge of cancer biology and the development of precision oncology, which allows for the identification of biomarkers and the selection of more effective and personalized treatments.
Advancements in Cancer Treatment
Spain is at the forefront of several innovative cancer therapies, including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and proton therapy. Targeted therapies work by “switching off” the mechanisms that fuel cancer growth, particularly when the genetic or molecular cause of a tumor is identified. Among the most advanced targeted therapies are CAR-T cell therapies, which involve genetically modifying immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. While currently used for leukemias and lymphomas, CAR-T therapy is being explored for use with solid tumors.
Immunotherapy, initially developed for melanoma, is now used to treat lung, breast, digestive, and esophageal cancers. Experts, such as Dr. Pilar López Criado of MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid, emphasize that combining immunotherapy with other treatments – like targeted therapies or chemotherapy – can enhance effectiveness, though this can also increase complexity and potential toxicity.
A relatively new proton therapy is now available in Spain, offering a more precise method of radiation treatment. Unlike traditional radiotherapy, which uses photons, proton therapy fires protons directly into tumors, stopping at the cancer site and minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Biotechnology’s Role in Innovation
Biotechnology is playing a crucial role in transforming cancer care. Advances in genomics, immunotherapy, bioinformatics, and new diagnostic platforms are enabling the identification of increasingly specific biomarkers and the development of more effective and safer therapies. This approach not only improves clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients but also accelerates the introduction of innovation into the healthcare system.
Lifesome Therapeutics and Novel Drug Delivery
Companies like Lifesome Therapeutics are developing a new generation of pharmacological vectors with inherent therapeutic properties. Their nanoparticle, Ohmline, is designed to not only deliver drugs but also to contribute to the therapeutic effect itself. According to Ana Bouchet, CEO of Lifesome Therapeutics, the size and physicochemical properties of Ohmline facilitate its penetration into solid tumors and poorly vascularized regions, where conventional treatments are often less effective. The controlled and targeted release of the drug also reduces exposure to healthy tissues, minimizing adverse effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.
Ohmline is currently in the advanced pre-clinical phase, with promising in vitro and in vivo results demonstrating its efficacy, safety, and differentiation from conventional delivery systems. This technology is particularly relevant for aggressive tumors, tumors resistant to conventional treatments, patients with low tolerance to chemotherapy, and the repositioning of drugs with potential oncological applications.
Nuage Therapeutics and Addressing Protein Disorder
Another area of innovation focuses on addressing intrinsically disordered proteins (IDRs), which are common in cancer but difficult to target with traditional drugs. Nuage Therapeutics has developed a technology to study these proteins when they transiently adopt more ordered conformations, allowing for the design of compounds that can interact with them. Stuart Hughes, CEO of Nuage Therapeutics, describes this as a “paradigm shift” in drug discovery, transforming protein disorder from a limitation into a therapeutic opportunity.
Nuage Therapeutics is currently focused on ASCL1, a key transcription factor in a subtype of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and KLF5, a transcription factor involved in several digestive cancers. Their most advanced program, targeting ASCL1, has progressed to the nomination of lead series and is preparing for pre-clinical studies to validate its efficacy. They are also exploring therapies targeting KLF5, with initial findings revealing transient conformations that could be targeted with new compounds.
A Future of Hope
As highlighted on World Cancer Day, , biotechnology is proving to be a key player in transforming oncology. Emerging technologies like nanotechnology are enabling more precise, effective, and patient-centered treatments, addressing complex and resistant tumors, and personalizing therapy based on individual patient characteristics. The ongoing innovation in molecule design and targeted systems is turning historical challenges into real opportunities, opening the door to therapeutic options for tumors that previously lacked effective alternatives.
