Experimental therapies in lymphoid neoplasms

Problem

Recently, a large number of genetic alterations have been identified that have opened up a wide range of possibilities for the discovery of new therapeutic strategies and new predictive markers for lymphoid B neoplasms. Although more effective therapies have been developed lately, as yet there is still no curative treatment for these diseases. In addition, the generation of resistance (due to the heterogeneity of both the tumour and the accompanying cells, the tumour microenvironment) is an obstacle to success in the long term.

Approach

The group’s research focuses on the development and validation of new specific therapies, on the search for possible combinations with other drugs and on the study of resistance in preclinical models of chronic lymphatic leukaemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). To carry out this experimental work, the group evaluates the efficacy of new drugs in isolated tumour cells of patients, in cellular lines and in animal models, taking into account the interaction between the tumour cell and its microenvironment.

Impact

The group wants to make sure that the experimental results have practical benefits and serve to improve patients’ quality of life and life expectancy. The project is based on the development of new preclinical therapies, on the validation of these experimental results in mouse models, and on describing both the action and the resistance mechanisms.

The aim is that the results can be applied to clinical practice and thus to create personalised therapies based on the optimisation of treatment for each patient, improving benefits and avoiding adverse side effects.