by Comite Web | Nov 16, 2022
Our line of research focuses on gaining a better understanding of the heterogeneity that exists in pancreatic cancer tumors from different patients. Understanding how different tumor cell identities are regulated and how they define complex interactions with the tumor microenvironment are part of the questions our research aims to answer. For this purpose, we use state-of-the art omics analyses (transcriptomics and epigenetics), which we complement with functional studies using primary in vitro and in vivo models.
by Comite Web | Nov 16, 2022
The pancreatic cancer research group at IDIBAPS-Clinic Barcelona is a multidisciplinary group that brings together researchers with very complementary profiles and experiences ranging from clinical research, in its multiple specialties, to basic research.
The main lines of research of the group are focused on:
To deepen the pathophysiological knowledge of pancreatic cancer and to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. We are interested in advancing our understanding of the involvement of the pancreatic stroma in carcinogenesis and especially in the cross-talk between neoplastic cell and tumor fibroblasts.
2. Discovery of new biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and predictive of survival or response to treatment.
3. Development of organoid models from surgical specimens and endoscopically guided biopsy. Establishment of more complex 3D culture models including tumor organoids and stromal cells.
4. Development of experimental therapies and preclinical studies in ex vivo and animal models. Therapies based on oncolytic virotherapy or nano-immunomedicines.
5. Innovation in endoscopic and surgical techniques to advance diagnosis and treatment.
https://www.clinicbarcelona.org/idibaps/areas-y-programas/higado-sistema-digestivo-y-metabolismo/terapia-genica-y-cancer
https://www.clinicbarcelona.org/idibaps/areas-y-programas/higado-sistema-digestivo-y-metabolismo/oncologia-gastrointestinal-y-pancreatica
by Comite Web | Nov 16, 2022
The research group co-led by Luis Bujanda and Marta Herreros in pancreatic cancer is part of one of the lines of the Biodonostia Institute and is integrated as a group to the Center for Biomedical Research Network in Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD). The group is accredited as one of the research groups of the University of the Basque Country from 2010 to the present. In 2021 they published 49 articles, exceeding 100 impact factor points and with a number of citations in 2022 exceeding 1,500. One of the areas of greatest interest is in the field of digestive oncology and pancreatic cancer. They have led the EPIPANCREAS project and other studies such as the search for diagnostic biomarkers of this disease.
by Comite Web | Nov 16, 2022
In the Microenvironment and Metastasis Group, we are interested in understanding the interaction between tumor and stromal cells during metastatic progression. In particular, we focused on analyzing the role of exosomes in the formation of the pre-metastatic niche. These particles play a crucial role in tumor cell nesting and metastasis formation in distant organs.
We have discovered that tumor-secreted exosomes can be detected in the plasma of pancreatic cancer patients. This finding indicates the induction of a premetastatic niche in the liver, preparing this organ for the arrival of pancreatic cancer cells.
During the last few years, our group has developed algorithms to detect specific microprotein signatures in exosomes derived from primary pancreatic cancer tumors. These signatures could be useful in the early detection of pancreatic cancer by liquid biopsies, and also to understand their role in the metastatic process.
In summary, we propose the use of microproteins in the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer through liquid biopsies, as well as the study of their involvement in the process of metastasis.
by Comite Web | Nov 16, 2022
The Translational Research Group in Digestive Diseases designs and carries out clinical and translational research projects in the area of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Our interests are focused on diseases of the pancreas, mainly chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and gastric cancer. Part of the group is focused on liver diseases, mainly liver cancer. The main areas of research are:
- Pancreas:
- Impact of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in subjects with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer: survival and clinical consequences.
- Identification of specific molecular biomarkers of chronic pancreatitis.
- Identification of biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer in asymptomatic high-risk individuals.
- New therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer: role of the obestatin/GPR39 system.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
- Role of microbiota and intestinal bacterial profiles in the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Molecular basis of IBD-associated arthritis.
- Characterization of the inflammatory response and its etiopathogenic role in IBD.
- Personalized medicine based on activation of four inflammatory pathways to predict response to treatment of ulcerative colitis.
- Gastric Cancer:
- Biofluid metabolomic studies of patients with uninvestigated dyspepsia.
- Identification of endogenous systems involved in the mitogenesis of gastric cancer cells.
- Hepatology:
- Viral hepatitis
- Factors associated with the progression of fatty liver disease.
- Impact of hepatocellular carcinoma and its local percutaneous treatment on the survival of patients on waiting lists for liver transplantation.
