What are the key priorities and strengths of your ecosystem?

The key priorities of and strengths of our ecosystem are: Digital transformation, Innovation, Active and healthy ageing, and Biotechnology for health.

We thrive in Public-private Collaboration, Cancer Research, Public Health, and Biotech.

Can you highlight key services, solutions, or initiatives in cancer from your ecosystem?

The PICA – Comprehensive Cancer Prevention Plan of Extremadura is a regional public health strategy developed by the Extremadura Health Service (SES) to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer, including breast, colorectal, cervical, and lung cancers. The plan promotes healthy lifestyles, early detection, and personalized prevention, combining screening programmes with education, research, innovation, and community participation.

In addition to this regional prevention framework, Extremadura is actively involved in several cancer-related research studies and initiatives, particularly in the fields of lung cancer, environmental exposure, occupational cancer, and tumour registries. These studies contribute to improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, risk assessment, epidemiological knowledge, and precision medicine.

Key ongoing or relevant studies include:

• RADÓN-BRAIN – A multicentre, hospital-based case-control study analysing the association between residential radon exposure and the risk of brain tumours.
• RTT – The Thoracic Tumour Registry of the Spanish Lung Cancer Group, which collects clinical and epidemiological data on patients with thoracic tumours.
• RTT-RADÓN / GECP 16/01 – An expansion study of the Thoracic Tumour Registry focused on radon exposure and its relationship with thoracic cancer.
• MIRROR – A study focused on the characterization of the tumour microenvironment in primary lung tumours in patients exposed to residential radon.
• EXPOSOMA – A research initiative on the exposome and precision medicine in lung cancer, aiming to better understand how environmental and lifestyle exposures influence cancer risk and progression.
• CLARISSE – A descriptive study of the evolution of diagnosis and treatment in patients with small-cell lung cancer in Spain.
• CASSANDRA – A prospective study designed to demonstrate the feasibility of lung cancer screening in Spain, generating scientific evidence to support the potential implementation of a population-based national screening programme.
• CENTINELA_02 – A sentinel network on occupational cancer of the paranasal sinuses within the health system.
• CENTINELA_01 – A retrospective registry of tumours of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses with probable occupational origin.

Together, these initiatives position Extremadura as an active regional ecosystem in cancer prevention, environmental and occupational cancer research, lung cancer screening, tumour registries, and precision medicine. They complement the PICA strategy by generating evidence that can support earlier diagnosis, better prevention policies, improved clinical decision-making, and more personalized cancer care.

Are there any EU or international funding projects your ecosystem is involved in (or would like to join) related to cancer?

FUNDESALUD is currently involved with 2 EU-funded projects related to cancer:

The JANE-2 Joint Action aims to create seven European Networks of Expertise (NoEs) focused on key areas of cancer care and prevention, such as complex cancers, palliative care, survivorship, personalized prevention, omic technologies, high-tech resources, and cancers in adolescents and young adults. These networks will support the European cancer community by developing clinical guidelines, promoting education, improving healthcare models, and fostering research and public engagement.

The eCAN Plus Joint Action aims to enhance the digital capabilities of cancer centers across Europe to improve cancer prevention, care, and resilience during health crises. The project focuses on training healthcare professionals and patients in digital skills, implementing telemedicine and remote monitoring tools, and strengthening digital collaboration among cancer centers, particularly in Eastern Europe. Its goal is to build and establish an integrated European framework for telemedicine and remote cancer follow-up, ensuring equitable access to digital health innovations for all citizens.

What types of partnerships are you seeking to strengthen your work in cancer?

FUNDESALUD is looking for partnerships in the following calls or with the following stakeholders:

• EU Cancer Mission Calls
• IHI Innovative Health Initiative Calls
• Health industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Research centers