Renowned Oncologist Dr. Hernán Cortés-Funes Dies at 81
Dr. Hernán Cortés-Funes, a pioneering figure in Spanish oncology, passed away in the early morning of March 8, 2026, at the 12 de Octubre Hospital in Madrid. He was 81 years old.
A Legacy of Innovation and Collaboration
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on January 18, 1945, Dr. Cortés-Funes dedicated his career to advancing cancer research and treatment in Spain and internationally. He was a key figure in the development of medical oncology in Spain, a field that was still emerging when he began his practice.
After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at the Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Dr. Cortés-Funes focused his career on the study of cancer. His time as a clinical researcher at the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program of the National Cancer Institute in the United States shaped his approach to oncology, emphasizing integration, multidisciplinary collaboration, and global cooperation. Source
Leadership and Contributions
Upon returning to Spain, Dr. Cortés-Funes founded and led the Medical Oncology Service at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital in Madrid until his retirement in 2015. He transformed the service into a leading clinical and research center. Source He was also a founding member and President of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), playing a crucial role in consolidating the specialty within Spain.
Dr. Cortés-Funes actively promoted translational research, international clinical trials, and collaboration among oncologists from various institutions and countries. He was involved in several prominent cooperative clinical research teams, including the International Breast Cancer Research Group, the European Cancer Research and Treatment Group, the Cooperative Clinical Research Group for Breast Cancer and Solid Tumors (SOLTI Group), and the Oncosur Foundation. Source
Research Focus and Academic Career
His research interests centered on the development of modern drugs and clinical trials for breast, lung, head and neck cancer, and germ cell tumors. Source He continued his research through the Research Unit of the 12 de Octubre Foundation and his clinical work at HC Marbella.
Dr. Cortés-Funes also had a distinguished academic career, serving as an Associate Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). Source
A Mentor and Inspiration
Beyond his scientific and clinical achievements, Dr. Cortés-Funes was known for his mentorship of young oncologists and his ability to humanize science. He combined discipline with generosity, rigor with warmth, and transformed scientific information into clear and motivating teaching. Source
His legacy includes a more innovative and humane Spanish oncology, a generation of professionals trained under his guidance, and the memory of a man dedicated to his patients. Source