According to the latest report of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), population estimates indicate that the issue of new cancer cases is likely to increase by 70% in the coming decades, reaching approximately 24 million cases by 2035 worldwide. 

Dr. Maite Herráiz, manager of the Unit for Prevention and enquiry of High Risk Digestive Tumors of the Clínica Universidad de NavarraDr. Maite Herráiz, comments that one of the problems encountered when detecting cancer or evaluating the progression of a tumor is access to a biopsy of tumor tissue. Therefore, CIMA LAB Diagnostics with the financial support of SUMELEC has implemented the study of liquid biopsy in the internship clinic. Starting from a blood sample , the Pan-Cancer test allows the detection of a series of mutations involved in the development and the progression of cancer without the need to subject the patient to invasive techniques to obtain a biopsy of tumor tissue.

As Dr. Herraiz explains, "This test allows us to analyze the DNA that the tumor releases into the bloodstream, obtaining the same information that we would obtain from a biopsy of tumor tissue, only with a blood draw. It is a diagnostic tool that makes it possible to identify the presence of tumors, select the best therapeutic options for the patient, monitor the evolution of the tumor and detect drug resistance as soon as it appears. At final, personalize the treatment of cancer patients."

"At Clínica Universidad de Navarra and CIMA LAB Diagnostics we are convinced of the importance of the research, since it is the only way to develop new diagnostic techniques for early detection of cancer, a factor core topic in the good prognosis of the disease, being able to apply personalized treatments adapted and effective for each patient and each tumor subject . To be able to carry out this research, it is essential to have the financial means," says Dr. Herráiz.

With this partnership, SUMELEC adds one more initiative to its Corporate Social Responsibility policy, with an active and voluntary contribution to the social, economic and environmental improvement of its surroundings.