Basque Country Cancer Care: Low Leakage & Innovative Treatments

The Basque Country, a region spanning parts of northern Spain and southwestern France, is emerging as a significant center for advanced cancer care, and research. A concerted effort to improve service integration, embrace innovative technologies, and bolster patient support is underway, positioning the region as a leader in oncology within Europe.

A key aspect of this progress is minimizing “leakage” – the number of patients who travel outside the region to receive treatment. According to Doctor Thomas Greletty, head of the medical oncology department at the CHCB (Centre Hospitalier de la Côte Basque), the Basque Country now boasts a “complete oncology offering” capable of optimally treating the majority of cancers. Exceptions primarily involve rare pathologies, including childhood cancers, where specialized centers elsewhere may be required.

This capability is being further strengthened through proactive adoption of the latest innovations, particularly in the realm of biomolecular research. This allows for targeted treatments tailored to the individual patient’s disease profile. Collaborations with reference centers have been established to provide access to specialized care without requiring patients to travel to larger cities like Bordeaux and Toulouse. Importantly, Doctor Greletty emphasizes that this access is provided without financial burden to patients, ensuring equitable care.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also playing an increasingly important role, particularly in radiotherapy. Léna Albert-Dufrois, an oncologist-radiotherapist associated with the Basque Country oncology center, explains that AI is used daily to streamline workflows and increase time available for direct patient care. The Bayonne establishment is currently piloting a project, in partnership with the Gustave-Roussy Institute, to develop AI software aimed at further enhancing efficiency.

The commitment to advanced cancer care extends beyond treatment to encompass robust research initiatives. Funding for research is a critical component, and the region actively seeks support through project calls. Recently, a collaborative effort involving the Bordeaux University Hospital and approximately ten regional establishments, including the CHCB, secured funding from the Ministry of Health to develop regional research capacity and accelerate access to therapeutic innovation.

The Basque Country’s focus on comprehensive cancer care is underscored by its selection as one of nine regions by the European Union to develop a program for optimizing comprehensive cancer infrastructures. A team of European experts is collaborating with Basque healthcare professionals to enhance cancer care through a holistic approach, aligning with the objectives of the Basque Country’s Comprehensive Cancer Plan 2030. This plan reflects a long-term vision for improving cancer outcomes within the region.

Recent research highlights the importance of addressing cancer care within an aging population. The Basque Country is one of the most aged regions in Europe, experiencing significant multimorbidity, with cancer being a leading cause of death, accounting for 27.4% of mortality. A study published in GeroScience in November 2024, led by Sara Cruces-Salguero and colleagues at the Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, suggests that centenarians in the Basque Country demonstrate resilience to cancer, a finding that warrants further investigation to understand the underlying protective mechanisms.

The OECD highlights the increasing pressure on healthcare systems due to diagnosis at younger ages, leading to longer treatment and monitoring periods. This underscores the need for efficient and innovative approaches to cancer care, such as those being implemented in the Basque Country.

The region’s dedication to cancer care is not merely about providing treatment; it’s about fostering a comprehensive ecosystem that encompasses prevention, early detection, advanced therapies, and ongoing research. The collaborative spirit between regional institutions, coupled with support from the EU and national funding bodies, positions the Basque Country as a promising model for cancer care in Europe.