From November 6 to 7, 2025, VHIO hosted the first SOSCLC-AECC Annual Symposium at the “Pabellón Docente” of the Vall d’Hebron Campus. The event brought together the scientific community united by a shared goal: advancing research and treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the most aggressive form of lung cancer.
The congress established itself as a key meeting point to strengthen the national scientific and clinical network, offering a space for dialogue, updates, and joint planning among specialists, trainees, international experts, and patient representatives.
SOSCLC-AECC: A National Network Against Small Cell Lung Cancer
The SOSCLC-AECC project, coordinated by Dr. Marcos Malumbres, Head of the Cell Cycle and Cancer Group at VHIO, and Dr. Luis Paz-Ares from the Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute and CNIO, brings together more than 300 researchers from 15 Spanish provinces.
The initiative was launched thanks to funding from AECC’s 70% Survival Challenge, the largest grant program promoted by the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC). Its goal is to achieve an average 70% cancer survival rate by 2030, fostering research in low-survival tumors such as lung cancer.
First Results and Advances
In its first year of activity, the consortium achieved a historic milestone: the creation of the first national collaborative network dedicated to small cell lung cancer. This structure enables data, sample, and clinical protocol sharing, ensuring that patients—regardless of where they live—have access to the same research and treatment opportunities. In addition, alliances have been established with American and European lung cancer networks for joint efforts in tackling this disease.
Among the most notable advances, a recent study led by Dr. Alfonso Calvo (Cancer Center, Clínica Universidad de Navarra) demonstrated, in animal models, a new therapeutic strategy that combines immunotherapy with a drug, showing highly promising results.
Looking Ahead
In the coming years, the SOSCLC Consortium aims to continue strengthening its position as a national reference network, focusing its efforts on the development of new treatments, identification of biomarkers to guide personalized therapies, and the active involvement of patients through the Patient Committee and the Patient Advocate role.
The common purpose remains clear: to turn research into concrete solutions that improve the survival and quality of life of those living with this disease.
Walk to Raise Awareness of Small Cell Lung Cancer
As part of the symposium, participants joined a symbolic walk starting from VHIO’s research headquarters to raise awareness of the consortium and promote understanding of small cell lung cancer.
The activity aimed to bring science closer to society and remind everyone that behind every breakthrough are people, effort, and shared hope. The event also encouraged new collaborations among attendees, reflecting that research moves forward when we walk together.
To know more about the project, please visit https://www.sosclc.org
