Targeted drugs are added to surgery and chemotherapy to prolong disease-free life. Juan Modolell, a pioneer of molecular genetics in Spain, was diagnosed with stomach cancer at the age of 54, in 1991.
He survived 31 more years until he passed away from a prostate tumor, illustrating the paradoxical nature of the fight against cancer. Every year, around 25,000 women hear the diagnosis of luminal cancer in Spain. 25% can benefit from these treatments, according to the Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group.