According to data from the 2018 Annual Report of the SEHH-FEHH, pending publication, in 2018 a total of 173 clinical trials and / or studies related to hematological cancer were carried out within the Society, with the direct implication of 9 of its 20 cooperative groups. This has been revealed on the occasion of World Cancer Research Day, celebrated on September 24. ORna initiative promoted by the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) and supported by the Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy (SEHH), which was born “as a contribution to the objectives of the World Cancer Declaration, to boost research in this area, prevent its development from slowing down and, in short, achieve scientific advances that contribute to overcoming cancer. ”
Predictions show that, in the coming years, cancer will be the leading cause of death in the world, with 13 million deaths estimated by 2030. Currently, the overall survival rate is close to 50 percent, thanks mainly to Research efforts, as reported by the Scientific Society in a statement. Looking ahead, “great progress is expected that will improve the approach of these patients, especially in the field of malignant hemopathies,” said Jorge Sierra, president of the SEHH.
“Precision therapy with new molecules and immunotherapy stand out in the treatment of hematologic cancer and are increasing their survival rates,” he adds. However, “new problems and doubts arise regarding the sustainability of the National Health System (SNS) because of the high prices of innovative medicines.” From the SEHH, it is requested to adapt the SNS to the new times, dedicate a percentage of GDP similar to that of the most advanced countries of the European Union and copy what these same countries do in terms of patronage.
Although more than a dozen different types of blood cancer have been identified, lymphomas, leukemias and multiple myelomas are the most frequent, with an estimated annual incidence of 10,000, 6,000 and 3,000 cases respectively, according to data from the Spanish Network of Cancer Registries (REDECAN). Regarding its prevalence, it is estimated that in Spain there could be 23,000 patients with some type of lymphoma, 16,000 with some leukemia and about 6,000 with multiple myeloma.