The Coordenadas Institute points out the entities that promote oncological progress in Spain

Spain Emerges as European Leader in Advanced Cancer Treatment

A new analysis by the Coordinated Institute of Governance and Applied Economics (ICGEA) reveals Spain’s growing leadership in oncology innovation. Their World Cancer Day report identifies twenty institutions driving transformative approaches to prevention, treatment, and patient care through precision medicine and collaborative healthcare models.

Collaborative Approach to Oncological Progress

“Advance in oncology no longer depends on a single actor,” states Jesús Sánchez Lambás, Executive Vice President of ICGEA. “Real progress occurs when pharmaceutical innovators, research hospitals, and health systems integrate new therapies efficiently and equitably.”

Pioneering Research Institutions

The ICGEA highlights several flagship institutions:

• Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital: Directed by Dr. Jesús García-Foncillas, this center translates precision oncology into clinical practice
• National Cancer Research Center (CNIO): Dr. Mariano Barbacid’s team leads pancreatic cancer breakthroughs
• Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute: Global leader in hematological cancers and gene therapies

Additional standouts include Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) under Dr. Josep Tabernero and Hospital 12 de Octubre’s CAR-T therapy program led by Dr. Joaquín Martínez López.

Pharmaceutical Innovators

The report identifies key industry contributors:

• Novartis: Introduced Spain’s first radioligand therapy for metastatic prostate cancer
• BeOne Medicines: Specializes in hematologic cancers and lung cancer treatments
• AstraZeneca: Operates global oncology hub in Barcelona

Gilead Sciences leads in CAR-T therapies while Novocure advances electric field therapy (TTFields) for glioblastoma – now covered by Spain’s National Health System since August 2025.

Specialized Treatment Centers

Spain’s clinical excellence shines through:

• Jiménez Díaz Proton Therapy Center: First private center with proton therapy technology
• MD Anderson Madrid: Conducts early-phase clinical trials
• IVI Fertility: Pioneers fertility preservation for cancer patients

These centers combine cutting-edge technology with patient-centered approaches, like International Dermatological Clinic’s specialized skin cancer program under Dr. Ricardo Ruiz.

Patient Advocacy Ecosystem

The report emphasizes Spain’s robust support networks:

• Spanish Group of Cancer Patients (GEPAC): Advocates for patient rights nationwide
• Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC): Funds €100M+ in research since 2011
• CRIS Cancer Foundation: Supports clinical trials in public hospitals

Future Outlook

With over 285,000 new cancer cases diagnosed annually in Spain (Globocan 2020), this collaborative ecosystem positions the country to improve 5-year survival rates that currently average 55.3% across cancer types (SEOM 2023 data). The integration of 14 CAR-T therapy centers nationwide exemplifies Spain’s commitment to equitable access.

As ICGEA concludes: “Sustaining this collaborative model will determine Spain’s ability to convert scientific innovation into tangible patient benefits while maintaining European leadership in oncological care.”

Source: Original ICGEA Report Summary