"Clinical trials with immunotherapy are opening a door to effective treatment for many types of cancer", said Dr. Ignacio Melero, a researcher at the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) and at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Dr. Melero has participated in a presidential session of the Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), which brought together over 18,000 oncologists in Madrid.

Cancer immunotherapy consists of activating or redirecting the immune system mechanisms against cancer cells, in the same way as they do when they fight viral infections by destroying infected cells. "For decades the efficacy of immunity in cancer treatment has been studied in experimental animal models, and the cellular and molecular mechanisms implied in these beneficial effects have been identified", added Dr. Melero.

In the last few years important results deriving from basic investigation have been produced. In fact, several immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies that activate immunity against melanoma (a type of cancer with its origin in the cells that pigment the skin) have recently been approved. To quote the University of Nevada researcher, "This is only the tip of the iceberg, and will certainly be followed by improvement in the treatment of many other malignant diseases".

Pioneering studies in Spain

As has occurred with more conventional cancer treatments, the joint administration of the new immunotherapy agents produces an effect that is clearly superior to that of their individual application; this is known as a synergistic effect. "Currently, various combinations of immunotherapy treatments are being tested on patients and are proving to be spectacularly effective. For example, at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra we have over 20 cancer immunotherapy clinical trials underway. This is a period of enormous growth in the clinical research into treatment development. We could say that it is the golden age for immunotherapy", explained Dr. Melero.

CIMA and the Clínica Universidad de Navarra began their research into immunotherapy 20 years ago, with a multidisciplinary team combining basic science with clinical application. "This allows us to probe into our understanding of the mechanisms and to offer the patients new treatments with serious perspectives of effectiveness", said Dr. Melero.

The driving force in this field is the rewarding competition between pharmaceutical companies. "We must not forget that this success has coincided with the global economic crisis which has complicated funding everywhere, particularly in this country. In spite of the good scientific results, the drop in public funding has been particularly noteworthy in its effects on biomedical development in a country like Spain, which does not have a culture of private donations and sponsorship by companies and individuals. Spanish immunotherapy laboratories need greater than ever economic resources, as we now know that their results are beneficial to the patient", concluded Dr. Melero.