INNOCANCER: developing innovative cancer treatment methodologies

Introduction

This initiative was a Triangular Cooperation effort, developed with the support of the ADELANTE Window, aimed at fostering knowledge exchange to develop innovative solutions for reducing cancer mortality and improving the quality of life of patients, particularly in Mexico.

Objectives

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative achieved capacity building within the Partnership to develop an innovative methodology to treat cancer, based on research and the development of new techniques, while also maximising the technological expertise of the Partnership countries.

Leveraging expertise for advancing cancer research

Through this initiative, the knowledge and expertise of 3 organisations were combined to advance joint research on cancer treatments:

• The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Cuba (CIGB)
• The Angiogenesis Unit of the Oncology Department of the Biomedical Research Centre of La Rioja (CIBIR, Spain)
• The CICESE (Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education, Mexico)

The European and Cuban partners supported CICESE in:

• Transitioning from basic proof-of-concept stage to clinical applications.
• Developing a roadmap to help CICESE progress on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, strengthening its capacity for biotechnology innovation.

Expanding impact across the biotech sector

This methodology was designed to be replicable, creating a multiplier effect in the region, allowing other biotech entities to:

• Develop new and improved cancer treatments
• Enhance technology transfer processes
• Strengthen scientific research capacities in the biopharmaceutical sector

Promoting innovative cancer treatment development

The Triangular Cooperation Partnership focused on:

• Facilitating the exchange of knowledge to accelerate biotechnology innovation
• Strengthening scientific research capacities to develop innovative cancer treatments
• Providing the foundation for clinical studies in previously unexplored cancer types for the molecules under analysis

A methodological guide for the region

A methodological guide developed through this initiative became a valuable resource for:

• Other laboratories in the biotech sector across the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean
• Institutions interested in advancing their technology levels and improving therapeutic variants for human disease treatment

By fostering scientific collaboration, technology transfer, and clinical research, this initiative contributes to expanding access to innovative cancer treatments and strengthening the biotechnology sector across the region.

Project activities

This initiative was structured around seven key activities, primarily aimed at fostering joint research opportunities and sharing knowledge with the scientific community. 

Key activities included:

• Capacity building: three seminars, two internships, a study visit, and a final seminar, providing hands-on training for Mexican researchers.
• Model implementation: development of a model for technical capacity building in cancer therapies, including Technological Readiness Manuals.
• Research collaboration: integration of seminars into international cancer conferences, facilitating broader knowledge sharing.
• Community engagement: inclusive seminars involving undergraduate and pre/post-doctoral students, and international experts, promoting wide-ranging knowledge exchange.

Throughout the initiative, cross-cutting themes such as human rights and gender equality were prioritised and integrated.

Results

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of the Partnership's member entities and collaborating organizations in cancer treatment development were leveraged to design the final document titled: "Methodological Pathway to Increase the Level of Technological Maturity in Cancer Treatments" (Ruta Metodológica para Aumentar el Nivel de Madurez Tecnológica en Tratamientos contra el Cáncer).

This document outlines a structured methodological approach that enables research groups with different specializations to:

• Combine their expertise and strengthen collaboration.
• Accelerate the technological readiness level of their respective developments.
• Facilitate the transition from basic research to clinical applications.

Contribution to the global fight against cancer

The results of this initiative contribute to the global fight against cancer and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• Target 3.4: "By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being."
• Target 3.B: "Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable and non-communicable diseases, particularly those affecting developing countries. Ensure access to affordable essential medicines and vaccines, in line with the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, which reaffirms the right of developing countries to use the flexibilities in the agreement to protect public health, particularly ensuring access to medicines for all."
• Target 3.8: "Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, high-quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all."

By fostering international collaboration, promoting innovation in cancer treatment, and strengthening technological capabilities, this initiative supports the development of more accessible and effective cancer therapies—contributing to global health equity and scientific advancement.

Implementing partner

Centro de Investigación Biomédica de La Rioja (Biomedical Research Centre of La Rioja - CIBIR, Spain)