Precision oncology is reshaping what is possible in cancer care. By aligning treatment with a patient’s individual biomarkers it offers the potential for more effective and timely care. Yet progress is uneven. While high-income countries (HICs) are rapidly expanding access to these innovations, many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to face fundamental constraints, including inconsistent access to essential cancer medicines and limited diagnostic capacity.
This divergence risks creating a permanent, two-tiered global system for cancer care. Bridging this gap requires building the foundations for the future today.
City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) is pleased to announce a new strategic technical partnership with IQN Path. The collaboration reflects a shared understanding: precision oncology depends on precision diagnosis. Without reliable biomarker testing, strong pathology services, and robust laboratory practices, health systems cannot safely or effectively deliver advanced treatments.
Strengthening this foundation is core to C/Can’s mission. Through our city-led approach, we work with local health systems to build the expertise, infrastructure, and collaborative processes that enable long-term improvements in cancer care.
IQN Path brings globally recognised experience in pathology and molecular diagnostics, complementing C/Can’s network and local implementation model. Together, we aim to ensure that cities in LMICs are prepared for the future of oncology by strengthening diagnostic quality today.
Alfredo Polo, Director of Technical Cooperation and Capacity Development at C/Can.
Supporting Cities to Build Stronger Diagnostic Systems
The partnership will focus on three interconnected areas that support sustainable system-wide improvements:
1. Knowledge Exchange
C/Can and IQN Path will collaborate to share practical insights and global best practices on cancer diagnostics, helping cities overcome entrenched barriers and accelerate progress.
2. Capacity Development
The partnership will develop training materials that support laboratory professionals in quality self-assessment and proficiency testing. These tools will help local teams embed quality standards and strengthen internal processes.
3. On-the-Ground Technical Support
Nominated experts will conduct laboratory visits in C/Can cities to guide quality improvements and preparedness for external quality assurance (EQA) programmes, contributing to more accurate and reliable testing.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Impact
This collaboration builds on C/Can’s vision: to ensure that quality cancer care is a reality for all. By strengthening diagnostic systems, cities are not only improving care today but creating resilient foundations that allow them to benefit from future advances in oncology.
Precision oncology can only reach its full potential when it’s built on a foundation of equity. This partnership with C/Can allows IQN Path to strengthen access to quality biomarker testing and targeted therapies in cities across LMICs—not just to keep pace with global advances, but to build systems where innovation is accessible and equitable from day one.
Nicola Normanno, President at IQN Path
As this partnership moves forward, C/Can and IQN Path will continue to share updates and learnings from our work across cities, and with our global network of partners gathered within the Global Community on Cancer Diagnostic (GCCD). Together, we are taking meaningful steps to prevent a future where innovation leaves some behind and instead create one where progress in cancer care is shared, sustainable, and built from the ground up.
