INCan's 80th Anniversary: Meeting in Querétaro

Oscar Gerardo Arrieta Rodríguez, General Director of the National Cancer Institute (INCan), disclosed the details of the 2026 Annual Multidisciplinary Meeting (RAM), which will take place from February 12 to 15, 2026, in Querétaro, in a historical context: the 80th anniversary of INCan as a center for human resources training in oncology in Mexico. In an exclusive interview with LaSalud.mx/Oncologia.mx, Dr. Arrieta detailed that this edition not only represents a high-level academic update but also a strategic space to evaluate the impact the Institute has had over eight decades in training oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and researchers who practice in different regions of the country. “The meeting will contribute academically to all the Institute's graduates and will allow us to analyze the impact that human resources training has had in these 80 years,” he stated. Multidisciplinarity as a guiding principle Dr. Oscar Arrieta emphasized that cancer treatment is inherently multidisciplinary. At RAM 2026, topics will be approached from a joint perspective of surgery, medical oncology, and radiotherapy, also integrating fundamental areas such as oncological nutrition, psychological support, pain management, and palliative care. The sessions will reflect the INCan's work model through functional units, where specialists from different areas discuss each clinical case to optimize therapeutic decisions, reduce times, and avoid unnecessary studies. Innovative surgery, immunotherapy, and conjugated antibodies Among the priority scientific axes are: Minimally invasive and robotic surgery, with increasingly broad indications in oncology; Immunotherapy, with more than 35 active indications and new modalities in constant expansion; Conjugated antibodies and targeted therapy combined with chemotherapy, which have redefined therapeutic standards; and Advanced radiotherapy, including radiosurgery and superficial therapies (SRT). “We are on the verge of a scientific revolution. HEALTH FIRST Training of 250 specialists and a comprehensive academic vision RAM 2026 will also be the framework for the graduation of approximately 250 residents and advanced specialty students, national and foreign. Dr. Arrieta Rodríguez highlighted that training at INCan is not limited to clinical care but also includes clinical, basic, and epidemiological research, an essential element to reduce the technological gap with other countries. “There is much to do and it is being done. We must reduce the technological gap to improve the treatment of our patients,” he affirmed. During the interview, Dr. Arrieta also thanked the Medical Society and the Teaching Subdirectorate of the Institute for organizing this event. Community impact in Querétaro The venue in Querétaro will allow for the promotion of prevention, early diagnosis, and screening programs, as well as interaction with local oncologists and health authorities. The official invitation includes medical, social, and cultural activities from February 12 to 15, with information available at Oncologia.mx. This article, as well as reports, exclusive interviews, videos, podcasts, and more, can be found in our upcoming special digital edition of Select Topics in Oncology 2026. Surgery, radiotherapy, nutrition, and palliative care converge to optimize clinical decisions. By: Carlos Henze / Photography: Daniela Escartin. In an exclusive interview with LaSalud.mx/Oncologia.mx, Mexico City, February 12, 2026 -. Just in lung cancer, there have been more than 20 updates in international guidelines in one year,” he explained. Yelda Leal will present preliminary results on neoplasm frequencies. This registry will, in the medium term, generate data on incidence, mortality, and regional trends to strengthen public policies, prevention, and screening. PRECISION MEDICINE: ADVANCES AND STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES The director of INCan underscored that precision medicine has changed dramatically in the last five years. During the meeting, the following will be presented: The Genotyping Laboratory, with mutation detection through liquid biopsy and tumor DNA in blood. Advances in diagnostic quality certifications. The first data from the Population-Based National Cancer Registry, developed in collaboration with IMSS-Ordinary. Identifying alterations through immunohistochemistry and molecular biology allows for personalized, less aggressive, and more effective treatments. However, he recognized two critical challenges: Technological availability for molecular detection. Access to high-cost innovative medicines. Therefore, RAM 2026 will seek to drive optimization and equitable access strategies. Translational research and the National Cancer Registry The integration between basic research and clinical practice will be one of the differentials of this edition. INCan has 15 basic research groups that work in coordination with the clinical units. We cannot stop. Dr.