Immunogenomics and evolution of lymphoid neoplasms

Problem

Lymphoid neoplasms are a common group of blood cancers that are highly diverse from both biological and clinical perspectives. Despite significant advances in their treatment, most remain incurable. Understanding the factors that drive their onset, progression, and treatment resistance is essential to improve diagnosis and develop more effective therapeutic strategies. To this end, our group investigates when and how these diseases arise, how they evolve over time, and the mechanisms underlying their response or resistance to treatment.

Approach

To better understand these cancers, we analyze patient samples using advanced genomic technologies that enable the study of DNA alterations and the functional behavior of tumor cells. This information is compared with that from healthy cells to identify the processes involved in disease initiation. In addition, we integrate these data with computational tools and experimental models that allow us to reconstruct when these neoplasms arise, how they evolve over time, and the mechanisms that determine their response or resistance to treatment.

Impact

We aim to identify the mechanisms that drive the development and evolution of lymphoid neoplasms and to understand why some tumors stop responding to treatment. Our studies have already led to the discovery of key genetic alterations involved in these processes and to the identification of novel biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic value. The knowledge generated through this research will enable the development of more precise diagnostic tools and more personalized treatments, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life and survival.