The Forward Together with Innovation: The Why, What, and How of Tackling the Implementation Gap for Healthcare in Different Regions conference brought global leaders in oncology and healthcare innovation to Barcelona to address critical gaps in the application of advanced medical techniques. Hosted at Hospitalet de Llobregat, the event highlighted the immense potential of personalised healthcare in improving patient outcomes and the urgent need for political and systemic action to realize this promise.
A global perspective on innovation and implementation
Moderated by Denis Horgan, Executive Director of the European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM), the conference convened distinguished oncologists, policymakers, patient advocates, and healthcare professionals from across the globe. Speakers from Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East shared regional insights into the challenges and opportunities in deploying innovative healthcare solutions.
Experts such as Dr. Janice Tsang from Hong Kong, Rodrigo Dienstmann from Brazil, and Dr. Jackson Orem from Uganda presented case studies showcasing how prevention, screening, and targeted care could transform health outcomes. Their insights were reinforced by Zorana Maravic, CEO of Digestive Cancers Europe, and Professor Hesham ElGhazaly, a prominent oncology expert from Egypt.
While the discussions underscored the enormous potential of technologies such as biomarkers, liquid biopsies, and targeted treatments, a recurring theme was the critical role of policymaking in bridging the gap between innovation and implementation.
A regional focus on disease prioritization and translational research
Panel discussions on disease prioritization featured leading experts, including Dr. Fatima Cardoso, a global authority on breast cancer, and Dr. Naureen Starling from the UK, who shared groundbreaking advancements in gastrointestinal cancer care. Dr. Paolo G. Casali and Professor Piotr Rutkowski provided valuable perspectives on sarcoma and melanoma, respectively, offering insights into how precision medicine is reshaping cancer treatment.
The session on translational research featured contributions from Professor Lillian Siu of the University of Toronto, Dr. Josep Tabernero, Head of Medical Oncology at Vall d’Hebron, and Dr. Christian Rolfo, a pioneer in liquid biopsy technologies. Their presentations emphasized the importance of bridging research and clinical practice to improve patient care.
Collaborative solutions and clear recommendations
The conference concluded with a session on the role of the EU and member states in driving change, led by Dr. Vivek Subbiah and Denis Horgan. Participants reached a consensus on the importance of collaborative policymaking, consistent funding, and fostering dialogue among stakeholders to create sustainable healthcare frameworks.
“Healthcare innovation exists, but its success depends on overcoming systemic obstacles and ensuring equitable access. This requires collective effort from policymakers, clinicians, and the broader healthcare community,” summarized Denis Horgan.
The Barcelona conference was a resounding call to action, demonstrating that while the tools for revolutionizing healthcare are available, their impact depends on the political will and collaboration to make innovation accessible to all.
