The Government of Spain Allocates Over €993 Million to Cancer Research Projects Since 2018
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Loading... - Ariana Carde
- 12 Feb 2025
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The Spanish Government has made a significant commitment to cancer research, allocating €993.4 million since 2018 to various projects aimed at combating this disease. Diana Morant, the Minister for Science, Innovation and Universities, emphasized the government's dedication to this cause, stating that this investment represents the largest funding effort in Spain's history for cancer research and innovation.
Morant highlighted the importance of developing precise and personalized treatments, describing them as "unique therapies, with names and surnames," designed to enhance both the quality of life and life expectancy for patients. The funding is being channeled through three main research and development (R&D) funding bodies: the Carlos III Institute for Health (ISCIII), the State Research Agency (AEI), and the Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI).
Breakdown of Investments
- Carlos III Institute for Health (ISCIII): The ISCIII has allocated €412 million to 1,003 cancer projects since 2018. This funding has increased by 157% between 2018 and 2024, largely due to the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) for Vanguard Health. The ISCIII also collaborates with organizations like the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) and the Centre for Biomedical Research in Cancer Network (CIBERONC) to promote targeted research.
- Spanish State Research Agency (ERA): The ERA has provided over €396.4 million for 1,327 cancer research projects during the same period. Notably, a project led by researchers from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) aims to establish the effectiveness of a new gene therapy, Nanogtbox, for treating aggressive and metastatic tumors.
- Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI): The CDTI has invested €185 million in nearly 190 projects since 2018, focusing on innovative cancer technologies. This includes preclinical research at PALOBIOFARMA for new targeted therapies and the development of Spain's first Hadron therapy research infrastructure, which involves an €18 million investment in a carbon ion accelerator.
- Spanish National Research Council (CSIC): The CSIC is actively involved in 162 national and regional competitive cancer research projects, raising a total of €38.13 million. In 2021, the CSIC established the Cancer Connection, a collaborative network that connects over 565 researchers from more than 90 research groups across 20 centers in Spain, facilitating partnerships with patient associations, scientific societies, and public institutions.
Spain's substantial investment in cancer research reflects a strong commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes. With a focus on innovative treatments and collaborative efforts among various research institutions, the government aims to make significant strides in the fight against cancer, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families.
