Jointly promoted by Hospital Clínic Barcelona, IDIBAPS and the University of Barcelona, 4CB integrates care, research, education and innovation into a unique model aimed at accelerating the translation of scientific advances to patients and improving health outcomes.
The Association’s participation will strengthen the incorporation of patient and civil society perspectives into the centre’s decision-making processes, fostering a research and care model that is increasingly person-centred.
Comprehensive Cancer Centres: a key element of Europe’s cancer strategy
Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) are integrated cancer centres that bring together clinical care, research, innovation and training within a single organisational structure. Their goal is to speed up the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice, facilitating patient access to advanced diagnostics, clinical trials and new treatments.
The European Union has placed CCCs at the heart of its Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, promoting a network of centres of excellence to reduce inequalities and ensure patients’ access to the highest quality cancer care.
A leading cancer centre
The 4CB Governing Board will be responsible for approving and monitoring the centre’s strategy, as well as promoting joint initiatives among its member institutions to strengthen cancer research and innovation.
4CB has established areas of excellence in breast, digestive and liver cancers, melanoma, immunotherapy and advanced therapies, in addition to strategic programmes in lung cancer, uro-oncology, gynaecological oncology, brain tumours, and head and neck tumours.
Since May 2026, it has held accreditation from the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Centre, one of the highest European recognitions in oncology. Each year, it treats more than 6,500 new cancer patients, delivers over 32,000 day-hospital treatments, runs more than 530 active clinical trials and publishes more than 600 scientific papers.
“For the Spanish Cancer Association and its Scientific Foundation, it is a source of great pride to contribute our experience and knowledge to a leading oncology research centre such as Campus Clínic Barcelona. Thanks to this comprehensive model, which connects care, research and innovation, our goal is to accelerate the delivery of scientific advances to patients,” said Ramón Reyes, President of the Spanish Cancer Association.
“The incorporation of the Spanish Cancer Association into the 4CB Governing Board reinforces our commitment to excellence in oncology, where research, innovation and patient care move forward together,” said Dr Josep Maria Campistol, Chief Executive Officer of Hospital Clínic Barcelona and Chair of the 4CB Governing Board.
