Spain has established a solid foundation for integrating genomic data and NGS technologies into clinical practice. Routine data sharing, high confidence in data infrastructure, and functional Molecular Tumour Boards (MTBs) highlight Spain’s progress. However, workforce capacity, cross-border collaborations, and broader adoption of NGS in daily practice still present challenges. Strategic focus on workforce development and governance standardisation will be essential to fully realise Spain’s personalised cancer care potential.

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Quick access

Explore Spain’s progress across two key areas of personalised cancer care. One factsheet explores the national health data ecosystem, while the other analyses the state of molecular diagnostics and NGS implementation.

Click below to access each document directly.

Revolutionising Health Data Uptake

Spain boasts a well-established system for routine data sharing and a relatively high level of confidence in its data infrastructure. Data linking to Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is implemented, and a controlling body oversees data sharing practices, ensuring coordination and compliance.

Strengths of Spain’s data landscape:

• Routine data sharing practices are in place across institutions.
• Functional data linking with EHRs to support clinical integration.
• Existence of a controlling body for data sharing governance.
• Established security guidelines for both external and internal data protection.

Challenges and gaps:

• Limited cross-border and cross-sector collaborations.
• Need for broader use of registry data for cancer control policy evaluation.
• Enhancing patient engagement and information delivery post-NGS testing.

Policy recommendations:

• Standardise patient-facing genomic information protocols.
• Strengthen international collaborations to boost data exchange and innovation.
• Expand use of population-based registries for quality monitoring.

Revolutionising Molecular Diagnostics

Spain has made substantial progress in molecular diagnostics with NGS infrastructure widely available, supported by funding and ISO-accredited laboratories. Functional Molecular Tumour Boards (MTBs) are in place, conducting regular consultations. Despite these advancements, workforce shortages, moderate awareness, and limited testing volumes indicate areas needing further investment.

Current strengths:

• Broad availability of NGS infrastructure and routine testing.
• Monthly MTB meetings for multidisciplinary case review.
• Reimbursement available for NGS and liquid biopsy procedures.
• Presence of educational programmes and workshops for NGS training.

Ongoing challenges:

• Workforce capacity remains a limiting factor for wider NGS adoption.
• Moderate awareness of NGS applications among healthcare professionals.
• Low patient volume for MTB case discussions.
• Need for enhanced quality assessment and governance harmonisation.

Recommended actions:

• Scale up workforce development initiatives in molecular diagnostics.
• Boost awareness campaigns to promote clinical adoption of NGS.
• Enhance external quality assurance measures and governance frameworks.
• Support broader integration of NGS into standard care pathways.