The Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal HM CIOCC, based at the Hospital Universitario HM Sanchinarro but with a presence across all the group’s centres, has established itself as one of the key references in oncology research, according to the results presented in the report ‘Radiography on the State of Cancer Research in the Madrid Region 2024’, published by the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC).
Quantitatively, the report positions HM CIOCC as the leader in the number of open-to-recruitment clinical trials among private hospitals in the region, with 144 ongoing studies. This places it as the second most significant centre in Madrid, surpassed only by the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre in a ranking that includes both public and private hospitals and research centres.
Dr Antonio Cubillo, director of HM CIOCC, highlighted, “We work daily to ensure that patients coming to our centre have access to the latest therapeutic advancements. This broadens their treatment options and improves their prognosis.” These figures reflect the strong commitment of the HM Hospitales Group to oncology research and its dedication to offering patients the best treatment opportunities currently available.
Dr César Muñoz, clinical scientific coordinator of the Fundación de Investigación HM Hospitales, emphasised the importance of clinical trials in oncology treatment. “Whenever an oncology patient comes to evaluate treatment options at an oncology service, it is crucial to have the widest range of clinical trials available, as this can make the difference between continuing with oncology treatment and accessing options that, in some cases, change the course of the disease in today’s era of immunotherapy and advanced therapies.”
Immunotherapy and advanced therapies have revolutionised cancer management, providing alternatives that were once unimaginable. In this context, HM CIOCC’s ability to maintain such a broad portfolio of clinical trials positions it as a cornerstone of oncology research in Spain, contributing not only to the advancement of medical knowledge but also to improving therapeutic options for patients.
In 2024, early-phase trials outnumbered those in phases 2 and 3, with digestive and breast cancer being the most researched areas. As a result, HM CIOCC has achieved over 100 publications, including two in the prestigious Nature Medicine. One study, led by Dr Emiliano Calvo, director of the HM CIOCC START Early-Phase Unit, focused on the OMO-103 mutation in various solid tumours. The other, by Dr Jesús García Donas, head of the Gynecologic and Genitourinary Tumours Unit at HM CIOCC, explored targeted therapy in urothelial and bladder cancer.
HM CIOCC’s leadership in oncology research stems from a comprehensive strategy that integrates cutting-edge technology, highly skilled multidisciplinary teams, and a network of national and international collaborations. This enables the centre to develop and participate in pioneering clinical studies, whether as a sponsor or collaborator.
This commitment is a clear demonstration of how oncology research not only drives scientific progress but also enhances the well-being and quality of life of patients facing this disease.
