30 June 2026

Cancer is the second cause of death in the European Union (EU) although in several countries such as Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Spain, it has already surpassed cardiovascular diseases and is set to become the leading cause of death in the EU by 2035.

Biotechnologies are revolutionising cancer treatment making it possible for cancer patients to live longer with a better quality of life. For example:

• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can block cancer growth signals, mark cancer cells for immune destruction, or deliver toxic substances directly to tumours.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors allow T cells to recognise and attack cancer cells.
• CAR-T cell therapy returns modified cells to the patient, where they act as a personalised living therapy.
• Cancer vaccines prevent HPV-related cancers such as cervical cancer or treats existing cancers.
• Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) deliver the drug specifically to cancer cells, reducing damage to healthy tissue.

The Association of European Cancer Leagues welcomes the proposed European Biotech Act. If well-crafted, this initiative has the potential to significantly improve cancer patients access to safe, effective, high-quality and affordable biotechnology products, including advanced therapies and biosimilars. To that end, we provide our recommendations how certain areas of the draft Regulation could be improved below.