Global cancer mortality rises amid research into personalized treatments

Global cancer mortality exceeds 10 million deaths annually, a figure specialists predict could nearly double by 2050. During a scientific forum held by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, experts highlighted significant inequalities in healthcare access. While many cancers are treatable if detected early, low- and middle-income countries face limited access to modern imaging, radiotherapy, and trained oncologists. These regions account for over half of all cancer cases and nearly two-thirds of deaths. Notably, only one in ten cancer patients in low-income countries has access to radiotherapy.

In response to the need for therapeutic innovation, researcher Rebeca Sanz of the Institute of Health Research of Aragon (IIS Aragón) is leading work through the European ioAVATAR project. This initiative focuses on testing ovarian cancer treatments using ‘avatars’—human tissue samples obtained during surgery—to study drug responses outside the body before proceeding to clinical trials. The project aims to identify drug combinations capable of activating the body's natural defenses against tumors.