World Cancer Day 2026: Delivering hope through cancer research

February 4, 2026

Cancer has a ripple effect that extends beyond those who receive a diagnosis, impacting families, friends, and entire communities. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, the global cancer burden is expected to rise sharply, with more than 35 million new cases projected for 2050.

However, World Cancer Day, marked today, is not about fear. It is a day to raise awareness, reinforce the importance of prevention, and highlight the scientific progress pushing us towards better treatments and outcomes.

At INL, multiple research projects, studies, and technological innovations contribute to better understand cancer and develop new therapeutic solutions. And while the full scope of this work is vast, in this piece we will limit the spotlight to four meaningful initiatives:

The 3DSecret project proposes a radical new perspective to deciphering patterns behind metastasis. Its overarching goal is to advance microfluidics to isolate and grow tumour cells into 3D mini-tumours, allowing scientists to study how cancer adapts and spreads, unlocking critical insights for next-generation treatments.

The ALADDIN project is creating a groundbreaking platform designed to accelerate the discovery and validation of therapeutic nanobodies for cancer treatment. By integrating biotechnology, AI, microfluidics, and advanced modelling, ALADDIN aims to deliver a fast, efficient, and animal‑free approach to antibody development.

INL’s first spinoff, RUBYnanomed, has created a breakthrough technology for cancer monitoring. The RUBYchip®, is a microfluidic system capable of capturing circulating tumour cells responsible for metastasis. By providing a non‑invasive liquid biopsy, the RUBYchip® gives clinicians a precise, real‑time snapshot of tumour evolution, supporting earlier interventions and more personalised treatment decisions.

INL’s Bañobre Group is also developing an innovative theranostic approach that combines therapy and diagnostics in a single platform. The technology uses smart, functional nanostructures designed to activate only within the tumour environment and in response to specific stimuli. With this strategy, researchers hope to reduce side effects associated with traditional cancer treatments, enhance therapeutic precision, and minimise damage to healthy tissues.

As we honour World Cancer Day, our laboratory remains committed to placing science at service of society. Through innovation, research, and advanced technology, INL strives to deliver hope in the face of hard times, and, ultimately, contribute to building solutions for a healthier future.