Precision Oncology.

Big breakthroughs begin at the microscopic level.

Vigo, Spain — February 20, 2025National Symposium on Precision Oncology.

The city of Vigo recently hosted the VIII National Symposium on Precision Oncology, bringing together leading specialists from across Spain to discuss the latest clinical advances and the organizational challenges shaping this rapidly evolving field. The symposium has become an essential meeting point — a place where science meets real-life care, and where innovation is translated into everyday treatment for patients.

This year, the focus is clear: bringing cutting-edge therapies closer to the people who need them most. Precision oncology — built on understanding the molecular and genetic makeup of each tumor — has opened the door to more personalized treatments than ever before. But one major challenge remains: ensuring that these breakthroughs reach patients quickly, fairly, and safely.

A key topic at the symposium is the development of Phase I clinical trial units. These specialized units integrate research and patient care in the same setting, giving patients early access to innovative therapies — especially when standard treatments have been exhausted. These trials represent the first critical steps toward developing new cancer treatments. By focusing on the molecular essence of each tumor, doctors are no longer treating blindly. Instead, they are making informed decisions based on the tumor’s specific biological traits, increasing the chances of success while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

Beyond scientific progress, the symposium also addresses healthcare management, coordination between medical centers, and the need for organizational models that support research without losing sight of patient-centered care. Collaboration among professionals, institutions, and public agencies is seen as essential to moving forward.

Transforming the Way We Treat Cancer.

During this forum, researchers and healthcare leaders are not only reviewing recent breakthroughs — they are exploring how to integrate innovation directly into patient care. Precision oncology represents a true shift in how cancer is treated.

Traditionally, cancer therapy was largely determined by where the tumor was located in the body. Precision oncology changes that approach. Instead of focusing only on location, it looks at genetic and molecular biomarkers to guide targeted therapies tailored to each individual. Simply put: not all cancers are the same, even if they start in the same organ. Understanding those differences allows doctors to improve effectiveness while reducing side effects.

We are already seeing remarkable progress in breast, lung, colorectal cancers, and leukemias. One powerful example is the use of liquid biopsies — simple blood tests that detect tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream. These minimally invasive tests allow doctors to monitor how a cancer evolves in real time and adjust treatment accordingly.

Real Stories That Change Lives.

Across Spain and beyond, precision oncology is no longer theoretical — it is transforming lives.

At the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, a patient with multiple myeloma successfully received CAR-T therapy and became cancer-free within seven months, returning to a normal life. This treatment involves removing a patient’s own immune cells, genetically reprogramming them to attack cancer, and reinfusing them into the body.

Similarly, at Hospital Universitario La Paz - Madrid - seven children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia — who previously had no remaining treatment options — are now cancer-free after receiving an innovative CAR-T therapy developed in Spain. Survival rates exceed 70 percent. These therapies function much like highly personalized cancer vaccines — precisely the kind of groundbreaking projects this community aims to promote.

Another promising development is the rise of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) — sometimes described as “guided missiles” against cancer. One example, sacituzumab govitecan, combines a targeted antibody with chemotherapy delivered directly into tumor cells, showing superior outcomes compared to traditional chemotherapy in certain breast cancer subtypes.

Meanwhile, in lung cancer and other tumors, identifying specific mutations such as EGFR or ALK has made it possible to prescribe highly targeted treatments that significantly extend survival and improve quality of life.

Challenges and the Road Ahead.

Despite the progress, important challenges remain.

Access to these therapies is still uneven. Targeted treatments and immunotherapies can be expensive and logistically complex, creating disparities across healthcare systems. But this is where collective effort matters — where advocacy, partnerships, and community support can help bridge the gap.

The symposium in Vigo highlights the importance of building strong Phase I clinical trial units and molecular tumor boards that integrate laboratory science with patient care. These structures make early access to innovation possible without compromising safety or quality.

Looking ahead, experts estimate that in the coming years, more than 80 percent of treatment decisions for advanced cancers could be guided by genetic and molecular data. The future of oncology is increasingly precise, data-driven, and personalized.

A Call to Action.

The VIII National Symposium on Precision Oncology is not just about scientific discussion — it is about building a roadmap to ensure that precision medicine becomes accessible to every cancer patient. The speakers emphasize a difficult reality: public funding is often slow and insufficient. The fight against cancer is vast and complex.

That is why organizations like ours are so necessary.

Scientists are ready to lead the battle. The question is: are we ready to support them?

Without research, there is no progress. Without support, there is no research. Together, we can make sure that these microscopic breakthroughs become life-changing victories.

One Shôt Team.

The IM Patients.