How to Access an Oncology Clinical Trial in Spain: A Step-by-Step Guide for Patients

Clinical research is one of the cornerstones of progress in oncology. Clinical trials make it possible to develop new drugs, validate innovative therapeutic strategies and introduce treatments that may later become part of standard clinical practice. For many patients, they also represent an opportunity to access innovative therapies long before they become widely available, provided they meet the criteria established in the research protocol.

At IVOQA (Viamed Institute of Advanced Surgical Oncology), research is an integral part of clinical care. Our team actively participates in national and international clinical trials and assesses each patient individually to identify potential opportunities for inclusion in research programmes according to the characteristics of their disease.

What is an oncology clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study conducted in patients to assess the safety, efficacy and clinical value of new treatments, therapeutic combinations, diagnostic techniques or follow-up strategies.

All studies are conducted according to predefined scientific protocols and are governed by strict national and international regulations designed to ensure participant safety and the quality of the results obtained.

In oncology, clinical trials are essential for advancing precision medicine and developing targeted treatments for specific molecular alterations found in individual tumours.

Phases of a clinical trial

The development of a new cancer treatment involves several stages, each with specific objectives:

• Phase I: assesses the safety of the treatment, how it behaves in the body and the recommended dose.
• Phase II: evaluates its antitumour activity while continuing to collect safety data.
• Phase III: compares the new treatment with the current standard of care in a larger number of patients to determine its efficacy and benefit-risk profile.
• Phase IV: takes place after the treatment has been authorised, in order to monitor its effectiveness and safety in routine clinical practice.

Safety and regulation

In Spain, all clinical trials must be authorised by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) and approved by a Research Ethics Committee for Medicines (CEIm).

Before participating, every patient receives detailed information about the study through the informed consent process. This includes an explanation of the objectives of the research, the procedures involved, potential risks and benefits, and the patient’s right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting their medical care.

How to find a clinical trial

The main public resource for consulting active studies in Spain is the Spanish Clinical Studies Registry (REec), managed by the AEMPS. This platform allows users to search for trials according to tumour type, geographical location, recruitment status and other clinical variables.

In addition, many scientific societies, cooperative research groups and patient associations provide up-to-date information about ongoing studies and resources to help guide patients.

Who can participate in a clinical trial?

Each clinical trial establishes specific inclusion and exclusion criteria within its study protocol. These criteria are designed to protect patient safety and ensure the scientific validity of the results.

Factors commonly assessed include:

• Type of tumour and stage of the disease.
• Molecular profile or specific biomarkers.
• Previous treatments received.
• Patient performance status.
• Kidney, liver and haematological function.
• Presence of other relevant medical conditions.

IVOQA’s role in accessing clinical research

At IVOQA, assessment for a clinical trial begins with a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history, imaging tests, pathology results and, when indicated, the molecular profile of the tumour.

All cases are discussed by a Multidisciplinary Tumour Committee, bringing together surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and other specialists with experience in complex oncological conditions.

This multidisciplinary assessment allows us to identify the most appropriate therapeutic strategy and determine whether the patient may benefit from any of the clinical trials currently available.

Access to studies within and outside IVOQA

Our team actively participates in a range of clinical research programmes and collaborates with other hospitals in Spain and internationally.

When a patient meets the criteria for a study that is not being conducted at our centre, we help coordinate their care and facilitate referral to the appropriate hospital, ensuring continuity throughout the diagnostic and treatment process.

Clinical research as part of personalised care

Participation in a clinical trial should not be regarded as an exceptional alternative, but rather as a therapeutic option to be considered within a multidisciplinary approach to cancer whenever it is supported by scientific evidence.

At IVOQA, we see clinical research as a way to provide our patients with access to innovation while contributing to the development of new treatments and the continuous improvement of cancer care.

If you would like to find out whether there is a clinical trial that may be suitable for your individual situation, our specialists can provide a personalised assessment and review the research options available both at IVOQA and at collaborating centres.

Our aim is to integrate the best available scientific evidence into each patient’s treatment strategy.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace diagnosis or medical advice from a specialist. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult a Viamed medical centre.