Translational genomics and targeted therapies in solid tumours
Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors
Current research
Problem
Cancer is a very heterogeneous disease, both clinically and biologically. Over the last decade, the survival of cancer patients has improved thanks to the introduction of targeted therapies. Even so, there are still patients who do not respond to current treatments or who develop resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to classify cancer in subgroups, identify predictive response biomarkers and new therapeutic targets to combat resistance to current treatments.
Approach
The group uses genomic and molecular data to guide the design of clinical trials and the development of biomarkers (elements that allow for the evaluation of the response to a drug). Based on preclinical cancer models, it studies molecular mechanisms of sensitivity and pharmacological resistance. All of this should help it identify better treatments for patients with solid tumours.
Impact
The approach starts from the observations obtained from patients: the group transfers these to the laboratory, where it analyses them in detail to identify new biomarkers and therapies. Promising preclinical results give rise to new clinical trials, thus the group returns to clinical practice, in which it explores whether these promising results are truly valid for patients.
Thanks to these studies, it is hoping to obtain more personalised treatments for patients with cancer.
IDIBAPS looks for talented professionals to meet the needs that appear periodically.
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