Early diagnosis and cancer therapy are still two of the main challenges in cancer research. In order to offer comprehensive care to cancer patients and improve their survival and quality of life, the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) works in a mutidisciplinary approach to ensure that scientific discoveries are translated into clinical practice as quickly as possible.

An example of innovation and pioneering approaches to cancer is the Fortalece-TACTIC programme, through which Vall d'Hebron has obtained funding for several oncology research groups working on the development of innovative tools in computational biomedicine and non-invasive diagnostics. These projects aim to improve liquid biopsy methodologies, refine less invasive imaging techniques for more accurate diagnosis, and create new genomic tools to understand tumour heterogeneity and clonal evolution. Research will also focus on developing advanced therapies and innovative nanomedicines for cancer treatment, as well as identifying new biomarkers and using artificial intelligence to improve precision diagnostics and patient stratification.

A year of non-stop cancer research

During 2023, VHIR researchers have worked intensively to advance the fight against cancer, with outstanding results. Throughout the year, they have published 327 scientific articles on oncology and have participated in 118 clinical trials focused on this disease, which has led to discoveries that open new ways to improve treatments and the quality of life of patients.

In the field of paediatric cancer, in recent months the Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders group has highlighted the growing importance of biomarkers in clinical trials, which allow for more precise and personalised treatments. In addition, the combination of anti-tumour drugs has demonstrated improved survival rates in children with high-risk neuroblastoma, a highly aggressive form of cancer. This represents a decisive step towards precision medicine in paediatric oncology. The team has also identified a new therapeutic target for rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive childhood cancer that affects the muscles.

In adult cancer research, there are also many achievements that allow progress to be made in different types of tumours. The Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells group is leading the development of new therapeutic agents for head and neck cancers by identifying new molecular pathways that drive tumour growth. In prostate cancer, the Biomedical Research in Urology group focuses on creating non-invasive diagnostic tools and new treatment modalities to improve early detection and treatment outcomes for patients.

In the field of melanoma, the Biomedical Research in Melanoma group continues research to understand the molecular mechanisms that influence the development and progression of melanoma, with a special focus on the role of the p38 alpha protein in UV-induced melanoma.

In the case of female cancers, the Biomedical Research in Gynaecology group is leading efforts to develop personalised treatments for endometrial cancer. As part of the European ENITEC network, the team is working to tailor therapies according to patients' genetic and molecular profiles.

In the study of the general causes and mechanisms of cancer, work by the Protein Kinases and Cancer group has revealed key molecular mechanisms that can be targeted to overcome resistance to anti-tumour treatments. In parallel, the Translational Molecular Pathology group focuses on advancing cancer research through innovative approaches to cell signalling, immune evasion and therapy resistance.