The Oxford Cancer group welcomed the Brazilian Minister of Health, together with senior representatives from the Brazilian health regulatory agency (ANVISA) and the National Commission of Incorporation of Technologies (CONITEC), and the Brazilian National Congress represented by Senator Eudócia Caldas, Chair of Brazil’s Cancer Subcommittee, and Daniel Oliveira, Health Committee advisor at the Chamber of Deputies.
The visit to Oxford was part of an official mission organised by the British Embassy in Brazil and focused on exchanging ideas and experiences in cancer research, regulation, and public health policy. With cancer incidence rising across Brazil, the discussions offered an opportunity to share learning on prevention, early diagnosis, and innovation in treatment. Topics included access to new treatments, readiness for clinical trials, and the use of emerging technologies such as mRNA-based vaccines in prevention and immunotherapy.
“Cancer is a global challenge that no single country can solve alone,” said Professor Elliott. “Exchanging knowledge and experience helps us all improve how we detect, prevent, and treat the disease. It was a pleasure to welcome this esteemed group of visitors to Oxford, to hear about their ambitions to reduce cancer incidence across Brazil, and to share our research and learnings with them.”
Senator Eudócia Caldas, who was leading the visiting delegation, said: “The exchange of knowledge and innovation is essential to strengthening our response to cancer. The bill I am sponsoring, PL 126/2025, aims to establish a regulatory framework for cancer vaccines and advanced therapies, supporting evidence-based decision-making and scientific cooperation. Sharing experiences with global leaders such as Tim and the Oxford Cancer Network helps us refine our approach and deliver better outcomes for patients.”
Brazil’s Ministry of Health has made cancer prevention and treatment a national priority through its National Policy for the Prevention and Control of Cancer, which focuses on early diagnosis, equitable access to treatment, and investment in research and innovation.
Oxford is internationally recognised for its world-leading research in oncology and immunotherapy. The University’s work spans the full spectrum of discovery, from fundamental biology to clinical innovation, including pioneering research in cancer vaccines, precision medicine, and early detection. Insights from this research informed the discussions, highlighting how advances in science can translate into better outcomes for patients.
Sharing her experience with partners in Mexico, aimed at improving early detection and prevention of colon cancer, Dr Isabela Pedroza-Pacheco, Centre for Immuno-Oncology, highlighted the value of international exchange in strengthening cancer control efforts and her hope for future similar collaboration with Brazil.
As Dr Lennard Lee, Centre for Immuno-Oncology, concluded, “Every opportunity to learn from one another brings us closer to the goal we all share - reducing the impact of cancer worldwide. At Oxford we are pioneering leading technologies such as AI, mRNA and proteomics, to help us achieve this goal.”