Mexico advances cancer care with new radiotherapy capacity and genetics research

The State Cancer Center (CECAN) in Chihuahua has used the Elekta Infinity linear accelerator since April 2022 to deliver 53,966 radiotherapy sessions, treating 2,453 patients—an average of 73 active treatments per day. Breast, prostate and cervical cancers account for the bulk of cases, and the technology’s precise multilayer collimation reduces exposure to healthy tissue.

At the University of Guadalajara’s Ocotlán campus, researchers are developing a personalized‑medicine approach by analyzing genetic markers that influence patients’ responses to cancer drugs. Using blood samples, DNA extraction and real‑time PCR, the team aims to identify which medications and doses are most effective for individual patients. The project is still experimental but seeks clinical collaboration to test its findings on a larger patient base, potentially improving treatment selection and outcomes.