the entities that promote oncological progress

He Coordinates Institute of Governance and Applied Economics (ICGEA) has reported that it has identified and valued around twenty entities that are positioning Spain at the forefront of cancer treatment, in an analysis prepared on the occasion of the World Cancer Daywhich is commemorated every February 4.

The report of ICGEA recognizes the transformative role of hospitals, research centers, the pharmaceutical industry, specialized clinics and patient organizations that, from different areas, promote a new stage in the prevention, treatment and comprehensive care of cancer, marked by innovation, precision medicine and the most advanced therapies.

“Advance in oncology no longer depends on a single actor,” says the executive vice president of the ICGEA, Jesús Sánchez Lambás, who emphasizes that real progress occurs “when the pharmaceutical industry, reference hospitals, research centers and a public-private health system capable of integrating innovation in an efficient and equitable way come together.”

Research centers

In the field of research and hospital centers, the ICGEA highlights the Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Jiménez Díaz Foundation University Hospital, directed by Dr. Jesús García-Foncillas, as a reference model in the translation of precision oncology to clinical practice; to the National Cancer Research Center (CNIO)for the advances in pancreatic cancer promoted by the team led by Mariano Barbacid; and to Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institutefor its international leadership in hematological cancers and cell and gene therapies.

The analysis also highlights the contribution of the La Paz University Hospital, the first public center in Madrid with a specific environmental health consultation for children with cancer; of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), directed by Dr. Josep Tabernero, as one of the main oncological centers in southern Europe; of the Clinic Barcelona Comprehensive Cancer (4CB), promoted by the Hospital Clínic, the IDIBAPS and the University of Barcelona; and the 12 de Octubre University Hospital, a national reference in the application of advanced cell therapies such as CAR-T under the leadership of Dr. Joaquín Martínez López.

pharmaceutical industry

In the field of the pharmaceutical industry, the ICGEA highlights the role of Novartiswith a sustained commitment to precision medicine and the introduction in Spain of the first radioligand therapy for metastatic prostate cancer; of BeOne Medicines, due to its rapid growth and its position in hematological cancers, especially chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and solid tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer, among others; of AstraZenecawhich has made Spain a key country for its global oncology strategy from its Barcelona hub; and of byesterday, with a strategy focused on redefining the approach to prostate cancer through precision medicine and advanced diagnosis.

Therapies

The report also recognizes the contribution of Gilead Sciencesfor its leadership in CAR-T cell therapies and new options in metastatic breast cancer, one of the most aggressive that exists. And, also, of Novocurefor electric field therapy (TTFields), a disruptive innovation in tumors with a poor prognosis such as glioblastoma, which has been part of the National Health System’s service portfolio since August 2025 for newly diagnosed patients and already offered by many autonomous communities.

Specialization and quality of life

In the field of high specialization and quality of life, the ICGEA highlights the Jiménez Díaz Foundation Proton Therapy Center, pioneer in the incorporation of this technology in the private health system; MD Anderson Cancer Center Madridintegrated into the international network of the Houston center and a reference in early phase clinical trials; the University of Navarra Clinicwith key services in proton therapy, immunotherapy and personalized medicine.

In an even more specialized way, the International Dermatological Clinic, directed by Dr. Ricardo Ruiz, stands out as a reference in oncological dermatology with a specialized model focused on early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of skin cancer; and, also, to IVI, for the development of a specific model of reproductive oncology aimed at preserving fertility in men and women who are going through or have gone through oncological processes. In fact, for a few months now they have been offering five years of free egg or sperm maintenance for cancer patients.

The analysis by the Coordenadas Institute also highlights the essential role played by patient organizations and foundations in humanizing the oncological approach and promoting research. In this sense, the work of the Spanish Group of Cancer Patients (GEPAC)chaired by Begoña Barragán; of the Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC)for its comprehensive performance in prevention, research and support; and of the CRIS Foundation against Cancer, as a reference in the financing of translational and clinical oncology research in public hospitals.

According to the ICGEA, the consolidation of this collaborative ecosystem will be key to transforming scientific innovation into real and sustainable benefits for patients and reinforcing Spain’s leadership in oncology in the coming years.