Spain Advances New Treatments for the Deadliest Cancers

Spain continues to reinforce its position as one of Europe's leading centres for cancer research. Two distinguished Spanish scientists, biochemists Luis Serrano and Eduard Batlle, have each been awarded a fourth consecutive European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant—an achievement attained by only a small number of researchers worldwide.

The ERC Advanced Grant is widely regarded as one of Europe's most prestigious research awards, recognising scientists whose work has made an exceptional contribution to their field and who continue to pursue ambitious, high-impact research.

A Living Therapy for Lung Cancer

Professor Luis Serrano and his research team are developing an innovative approach to the treatment of lung cancer using genetically engineered Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria as targeted therapeutic carriers.

Following inhalation, the modified bacteria are designed to survive only within tumour tissue, where they activate anti-cancer agents locally while minimising exposure to healthy cells.

The researchers describe the technology as a miniature "pharmaceutical factory" operating directly inside the tumour, delivering treatment precisely where it is needed.

A New Perspective on Metastatic Disease

The second ERC-funded project, led by Professor Eduard Batlle, focuses on one of the greatest challenges in oncology: the ability of cancer to evolve, develop resistance to treatment and spread to other parts of the body.

The research investigates tumour heterogeneity—the presence of multiple genetically distinct populations of cancer cells within a single tumour. This biological diversity is one of the main reasons why some cancers become resistant to treatment.

To study this process, the team uses patient-derived organoids—three-dimensional laboratory models grown from patients' tumour cells. These models allow researchers to screen large numbers of therapeutic compounds in search of treatments capable of increasing tumour sensitivity to existing therapies.

Spain at the Forefront of Oncology

Projects such as these reflect the strength of Spanish biomedical research and its close integration with clinical practice.

Through collaboration between research institutes, universities and specialist hospitals, patients are given access to advanced diagnostic technologies, novel treatment strategies and, where appropriate, participation in international clinical trials.

At MedCare Iberia, we assist patients in obtaining an independent medical opinion and help identify the Spanish specialist centres best suited to their individual diagnosis, ensuring access to evidence-based diagnostics and treatment in line with current international standards.