{"id":9163,"date":"2025-03-07T12:05:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T11:05:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/curing-cancer-is-possible-dr-aleix-prat-discusses-the-latest-breakthroughs-at-the-first-fero-scientific-talk-of-2025\/"},"modified":"2026-09-05T09:35:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-05T07:35:25","slug":"curing-cancer-is-possible-dr-aleix-prat-discusses-the-latest-breakthroughs-at-the-first-fero-scientific-talk-of-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/curing-cancer-is-possible-dr-aleix-prat-discusses-the-latest-breakthroughs-at-the-first-fero-scientific-talk-of-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8220;Curing cancer is possible&#8221;: Dr Aleix Prat discusses the latest breakthroughs at the first FERO scientific talk of 2025."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A talk to move the fight against cancer forward<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Last Thursday, February 13, the first FERO scientific talk of 2025 took place, led by Dr Aleix Prat at the C\u00edrculo Ecuestre in Barcelona.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the conference entitled \u201cThe present and future of cancer\u201d, we reviewed the latest research advances and learned his perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. We also explored in greater depth how the creation of Comprehensive Cancer Centres is changing the reality of knowledge and how it is addressed, and how everyone\u2019s involvement is needed to achieve its cure or chronic management. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The speaker\u2019s introduction by Ms Isabel Estany, Head of the Cultural Area at the C\u00edrculo Ecuestre, was very engaging. She highlighted how his career took him from architecture to medicine, and that he is now one of the most influential figures in oncology today. <\/p>\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa30c4a6306e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa30c4a6306e\" class=\"wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/em6q7wkx3sd.exactdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dr-Aleix-Prat-circulo-E-Fero_0.jpg?strip=all&w=1920\" alt=\"Dr Aleix Prat Circulo e FERO\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The current landscape: challenges and concerns<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr Aleix Prat, current Director of the Cancer Center at Hospital Cl\u00ednic de Barcelona and Vice-Chair of FERO\u2019s Scientific Advisory Committee, quickly got to the point. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Spain, with nearly 300,000 new diagnoses expected this year, and an incidence projected to increase significantly by 2050, mainly due to population ageing. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, the growing number of cancer cases in young people, particularly breast and colorectal cancer, is a cause for concern and calls for research into the possible factors behind its development, including our habits, environmental factors and the impact of diet, among others.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He noted that, as these are organs that regenerate continuously, they are more likely to undergo mutations and that, despite having very good habits, sometimes it is simply a matter of \u201cbad luck\u201d.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Investment and European targets to combat cancer<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr Prat expressed enthusiasm for the European Commission\u2019s mission to save 3 million lives by 2030 through improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To achieve this goal, key measures have been established:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u20ac78 million investment in:\n\nA digital health platform.\nMore accurate diagnostics.\nComprehensive cancer infrastructure.<\/li>\n<li>Increasing the cancer survival rate:\n\nFrom 55\u201360% to 75% in the coming years.\nBoosting molecular diagnostics.\nDeveloping innovative genomic tests to improve understanding of the immune system.<\/li>\n<li>Access to specialised centres:\n\nThe European Commission aims for 90% of Europeans to receive treatment in accredited oncology centres.\nThese centres will bring together research, training and patient care in a single space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa30c4a637be&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa30c4a637be\" class=\"wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/em6q7wkx3sd.exactdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dr-Aleix-Prat-circulo-E-Fero_5.jpg?strip=all&w=1920\" alt=\"Dr Aleix Prat Circulo e FERO\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Innovation in treatments and new therapies<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We learned how <strong>cancer treatment has advanced significantly with targeted therapies and new immunoconjugates, improving survival rates and the possibility of a cure in advanced metastatic cases<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this regard, antibody therapies that activate the immune system have been developed\u2014the well-known CAR-T therapies.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He also spoke about how<strong> liquid biopsy has revolutionised the monitoring of current treatments, or will do so in the early detection of the disease<\/strong>, and how cancer can represent a window of opportunity to advance our understanding of other diseases.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, progress in research is limited by a lack of investment and resources.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The FERO Foundation model: commitment to research<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The doctor presented the FERO Foundation as a model of patronage and social commitment to oncology research in Spain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He emphasised how, through its financial and organisational support, we have advanced the careers of more than 60 researchers and allocated more than \u20ac30 million to cancer research over the past 24 years.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our approach makes it possible to channel private resources into innovative projects, promoting translational research and accelerating the arrival of new therapies for patients.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This model, Dr Prat insisted, demonstrates the importance of society and the private sector\u2019s involvement in the fight against cancer, driving scientific progress through collaboration between research centres, hospitals and companies.<\/p>\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa30c4a63f8d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa30c4a63f8d\" class=\"wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/em6q7wkx3sd.exactdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dr-Aleix-Prat-circulo-E-Fero_2.jpg?strip=all&w=1920\" alt=\"Dr Aleix Prat Circulo e FERO\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A hopeful future, but with challenges still ahead<\/h2>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;The future of cancer treatment is promising and hopeful. Curing cancer is possible.<\/em>\n<em>By focusing on better understanding our genome, optimising data collection and improving research processes, we will achieve it<\/em><strong>&#8220;.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, incorporating the use of artificial intelligence will improve diagnoses and treatment selection, as well as predict relapses in breast cancer, while future treatments will combine chemotherapy with antibodies to improve their effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, during the talk it was also mentioned that obstacles remain, such as bureaucracy and the need for greater investment in molecular diagnostics and immunotherapy to maximise benefits for patients.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Likewise, challenges persist such as decentralising oncology services to ensure equitable access to advanced treatments in all regions.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But among all the many messages, we can hold on to the hope that we will cure more and more, with ambitious targets such as reaching an 80% cure rate in 10 years.<\/p>\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa30c4a64b5e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa30c4a64b5e\" class=\"wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/em6q7wkx3sd.exactdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dr-Aleix-Prat-circulo-E-Fero_3.jpg?strip=all&w=1920\" alt=\"Dr Aleix Prat Circulo e FERO\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A message of hope and upcoming events<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the FERO Foundation, we are convinced that together we will achieve it. With everyone\u2019s involvement, we can provide the boost that research needs to cure these increasingly prevalent diseases because, fortunately, we are living longer. We need to believe in and invest in science! <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This was the first in a series of events that the FERO Foundation and the C\u00edrculo Ecuestre have scheduled with the aim of bringing the importance of research to a wider audience.<\/strong> May everyone understand that knowledge will ultimately bring an end to cancer, and that only by understanding will we be able to cure it.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay tuned, because the next ones will be just as interesting and enriching.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">At FERO, we turn your support into research for a future without cancer.<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Every donation adds hours of work in the lab and brings us closer to saving more lives.<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A talk to move the fight against cancer forward Last Thursday, February 13, the first FERO scientific talk of 2025 took place, led by Dr Aleix Prat at the C\u00edrculo Ecuestre in Barcelona. During the conference entitled \u201cThe present and future of cancer\u201d, we reviewed the latest research advances and learned his perspective on the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9164,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"Progress and the future in the fight against cancer","_seopress_titles_desc":"Discover the latest advances in research, molecular diagnostics and new cancer therapies presented by Dr Aleix Prat at the FERO Scientific Talk 2025.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[126],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scientific-talks"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9163","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9163"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9163\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9165,"href":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9163\/revisions\/9165"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ferocancer.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}