In the context of Cancer Research Day, today we talk to Dr. José Manuel Trigo, Director of Oncology, Research and Innovation at HC Cancer Center and a reference in the field of oncology research.
Throughout his career, Dr Trigo has witnessed important advances in treatments and has worked tirelessly in the quest for new therapies that not only prolong patients’ lives, but also improve their quality of life.
In this interview, he addresses some of the most significant challenges facing cancer research, the latest advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapies, and how participation in clinical trials can be key to offering patients new treatment opportunities.
Immunotherapy
In the past few years, we have seen important advances in cancer research. One of the most revolutionary is the development of immunotherapy, a treatment that stimulates the immune system to recognise and attack the tumour.
This type of therapy has been key, as it has led to prolonged remissions in patients who, with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, only had a prognosis limited to a few months. Thanks to immunotherapy, we have seen a remarkable increase in survival rates.
At present, immunotherapy is being investigated in earlier stages of cancer. It is being tested before surgery, or combined with chemotherapy, resulting in a significant increase in cure rates.
Targeted therapies
Another major advance is targeted therapies. These therapies focus on identifying therapeutic targets specific to each patient and tumour. This process is based on biomarker studies from tumour samples (solid biopsy) or blood tests (liquid biopsy). As a result, we are able to detect unique genetic alterations in each patient, leading to the development of personalised treatments. Many of these new drugs are administered orally and are designed to act directly on specific tumour targets. In addition, these treatments have fewer side effects, allowing patients to maintain a better quality of life over time.
Secondary prevention
Finally, another field in which we are making progress is early detection or secondary prevention. This consists of diagnosing cancer in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable and, in many cases, curable by surgery. Early diagnosis programmes, such as those for breast, prostate, colon, and recently lung cancer, are helping to reduce the incidence of disseminated tumours, giving us an opportunity to intervene more effectively.
One of the biggest challenges faced in cancer research is time. In oncology, time is crucial, especially for patients fighting cancer. Despite constant advances in research, rapid access to new drugs remains a problem, especially in our country. Even if a drug is approved by the European authorities, its arrival to patients is often delayed. We should already have a process in place for getting these treatments to those who need them as quickly as possible.
Research is fundamental to improving both the quantity and quality of life in cancer patients. A key cornerstone in this process is clinical trials, which allow us to compare new treatments – such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy – to conventional ones. These trials not only allow us to assess the efficacy of new drugs, but also to offer more personalised therapeutic alternatives with fewer side effects.
When a new drug is approved, it must first be tested in animals, then in patients, and finally compared with existing treatments. At HC Marbella we are committed to this cause and are very proud to announce that in the next month we will start our first clinical trials, which will give patients the opportunity to access innovative treatments. These treatments can offer a longer life expectancy and a significant improvement in the quality of their therapies.
Additionally, it is important to note that treatments offered in clinical trials are completely free of charge to patients. These treatments often have fewer side effects than conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy, as they are specifically designed to target the particularities of the cancer in each patient. Not only does this prolong patients’ lives, but it also improves their quality of life dramatically.
Practically all patients participating in clinical trials, or receiving immunotherapy or targeted therapies, are able to live virtually normal lives thanks to the low side effects. In short, not only are we seeing an increase in the length of life we can offer patients, but also a considerable improvement in their quality of life.
Dr. José Manuel Trigo
Director of Oncology, Research and Innovation.
Dr Trigo, lung cancer specialist
Genetic testing, by Dr Trigo
September 24, 2024
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