Vaccines, gene-editing-based therapies, and immunotherapies will transform the current landscape of cancer treatment
Biotechnology has radically changed the treatment of many types of tumors, evolving from highly aggressive and non-specific treatments to those tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient.
In 2025, Spain will record 296,103 new cases of cancer, a 3.3% increase compared to 2024, according to the report "Cancer Figures in Spain 2025", prepared by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and the Spanish Network of Cancer Registries (REDECAN). Cancer incidence is expected to rise globally, with projections suggesting that cases in Spain will exceed 350,000 by 2050.
The growing understanding of cancer biology, driven by precision oncology, CAR-T cell therapies, immunotherapy, gene therapies, nanotechnology, and CRISPR-based gene editing, has significantly improved cancer survival rates over recent decades. "Biotechnology has radically transformed the treatment of many types of tumors, evolving from highly aggressive and non-specific therapies to approaches tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient," explains Jorge Barbazán García, CSO of Batea Oncology, an AseBio member biotech company developing innovative therapeutic solutions for high-risk tumors.
The Rise of Immune-Modulating Therapies
A key advancement has been the development of immune-modulating therapies, including immunotherapies and cell-based therapies. "These treatments have achieved unprecedented response rates. A clear example is lung cancer, where we have moved from a non-specific chemotherapy-based approach to a diverse therapeutic arsenal targeting the specific characteristics of each tumor," Barbazán highlights.
Alongside new therapies, diagnostic and monitoring technologies—such as imaging techniques and next-generation sequencing—have made it possible to identify subgroups of patients most likely to respond to specific treatments and to track disease progression in real time.
Spain's Leadership in Oncology Research: An Opportunity to Strengthen Innovation
Spain is a leader in cancer research within the European Union (EU), with 336 ongoing oncology clinical trials, representing 37.6% of all authorized national studies (930). The country also leads in advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) research, with 52 approved trials in 2024, highlighting the growing prominence of biotechnological medicines.
This leadership, according to Barbazán, is the result of a highly collaborative R&D ecosystem, where hospitals, research centers, and industry work together to develop new therapeutic strategies. "Investment in biomedical infrastructure and access to cutting-edge technologies—such as precision medicine, cell therapies, and artificial intelligence—have driven the development of innovative clinical trials. Additionally, the European regulatory framework has facilitated the implementation of pioneering projects, positioning Spain as a reference point in oncology within the EU, particularly in clinical trial development."
However, maintaining and solidifying this leadership requires increased investment in biotechnology and stronger knowledge transfer from academic research to industry. Barbazán stresses the need to streamline regulatory processes to ensure that innovations reach patients faster without compromising safety.
Another key priority is attracting and retaining scientific talent. "Preventing the brain drain by offering better incentives and job stability is essential," he emphasizes. "Spain has the potential to remain a leader in oncology, but it requires a clear commitment to fostering a culture of innovation."
‘Multi-Approach Solutions’ for ‘Multi-Problem Tumors’
At Batea Oncology, the company applies multi-approach solutions, which they believe are the only way to treat “multi-problem tumors”, such as glioblastoma. "We combine biomaterial technology capable of controlling natural cell migration patterns through its mechanical properties while also modulating the tumor microenvironment in a controlled manner. This, combined with other advanced treatment modalities such as next-generation radiotherapy techniques, offers a more effective therapeutic strategy."
From their experience, they identify two major challenges in cancer treatment:
- Overcoming therapy resistance in advanced tumors.
- Improving response rates in cancers like glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer, which remain in a ‘therapeutic desert.’
Looking to the Future: The Next Frontier in Cancer Treatment
Barbazán concludes with a forward-looking perspective: "Vaccines, gene-editing-based therapies, and new types of immunotherapies will change the current landscape of cancer treatment. However, we will also need therapies with fewer side effects, enabling the combination of multiple treatments into a single therapeutic approach to maximize efficacy."
Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of next-generation liquid biopsies, which should be integrated into daily clinical practice. "These technologies will be crucial for monitoring tumors in a non-invasive manner, improving patients' quality of life. Ultimately, patients must remain at the center of all efforts made by every stakeholder involved in the fight against cancer."