visibility, early detection and investigation
Small cell lung cancer is the most aggressive type of lung cancer, characterized by rapid growth and a tendency to quickly spread to other parts of the body, which unfortunately occurs in 70% of cases at the time of diagnosis.
“The name ‘small cells’ refers to the size and shape of cancer cells seen under a microscope, usually small and round,” he explains. J.Osé Antonio Lopez-Vilariñooncology manager at PharmaMar, a Spanish biotechnology company for which this type of lung cancer is one of its most important areas of research.
Small cell lung cancer accounts for 13% to 15% of all lung cancer diagnoses. In Spain, about 4,500 new cases are diagnosed every year. “Its aggressive nature and late-stage diagnosis pose significant challenges for patients and medical personnel, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatments and early detection strategies to improve prognosis,” says López-Vilariño.
Today on occasion World Lung Cancer DayLópez-Vilariño emphasizes that “we also have a social challenge to increase the visibility of this type of cancer, which, despite its frequency and mortality, may not receive the attention it deserves.”
The need for innovation in the treatment of small cell lung cancer has been recognized in various initiatives such as the National Lung Cancer Control Plan. Refractory Cancer Study 2012, USA.which promoted research into low-survival cancers like this one.
Lopez-Vilariño comments that “new therapeutic options have emerged in recent years.” New drugs and strategies have emerged, such as combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy, which have shown positive results. However, much research is still required to further improve clinical outcomes.
Marine origin
“At PharmaMar, we have been dedicated to treating patients with rare cancers and limited treatment options through the research, development and commercialization of innovative marine-derived therapies for nearly 40 years. This commitment is reflected in our investment in research and development, with more than €83 million allocated to cancer research last year. We are a Spanish company that devotes the highest percentage of sales to research and development.
Pharmamar is currently participating in two phase III clinical trials in small cell lung cancer. “We recently learned of preliminary results from one of these studies, and they show a statistically significant improvement in the main objectives of the study,” says the expert, highlighting the role of innovation in combating this very complex pathology.
One of the main features of PharmaMar is its focus on researching marine compounds to develop cancer treatments. Lopez-Vilariño explains that the company is committed to the sea as a healing platform because this ecosystem “holds unexplored potential.”
The oceans, which contain 80% of the world’s biodiversity, are a rich source of organisms that can offer the compounds. effective antitumor drugs. PharmaMar currently has three drugs approved to treat four types of cancer, and this achievement reflects the potential of the sea in oncology.
However, developing innovative treatments for rare and aggressive cancers such as small cell lung cancer is not without its challenges. As a mid-sized biotech company, PharmaMar faces a number of challenges, from the complexity of clinical trials (due to limited patient numbers and aggressiveness of the disease) to high development costs and limited patent protection periods.
López-Vilariño emphasizes that “significant investments in research depend on a regulatory framework that protects innovation.” The economic sustainability of these projects is critical to ensuring that research and development efforts translate into effective treatments.
Despite this, Lopez-Vilariño concludes, PharmaMar demonstrates that commitment to research and innovation This is the only way to treat small cell lung cancer. “His focus on marine-derived compounds and continued investment in research and development demonstrate a commitment to advancing areas of oncology where unmet medical needs still exist.”
In this World Lung Cancer DayThe message is clear: increasing visibility, promoting early detection, and continuing research are important actions to combat this aggressive cancer.