To commemorate the World Breast Cancer Day, Hospital Clínic Barcelona has organized a conference open to healthcare professionals and patients, within the framework of the Clínic Barcelona Comprehensive Cancer Center. The event focused on the overall wellbeing of people living with the disease, addressing topics such as emotional management, sexuality, post-diagnosis bureaucracy, and the latest therapeutic innovations.
The opening was led by Maria Vidal, Head of the Breast Cancer Unit, and Esther Pérez Navarro, Vice Dean of Research at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Barcelona.
Emotional and sexual wellbeing: a key dimension in breast cancer care
Breast cancer and its treatments can deeply affect patients’ emotional lives, body image and sexuality. Many women experience fatigue, pain, anxiety or self-esteem issues that reduce sexual desire, compounded by the side effects of hormone-blocking treatments, which can diminish satisfaction with their intimate lives. For this reason, Clínic Barcelona develops therapeutic approaches that consider emotional and relational health as essential parts of the recovery process.
One of the initiatives presented during the event was the Mindfulsex program, part of the ONCOR program coordinated by Dr. Begoña Mellado. It is a group therapy based on mindfulness, applied to sexuality, helping patients reconnect with their bodies, manage stress and improve self-esteem and sexual satisfaction. The program is coordinated by Milana Bergamino, oncologist at the Breast Cancer Unit, and Rut Carpio, psycho-oncologist with ONCOR.
Sessions are held in groups of 15 to 20 participants and consist of 9 weekly meetings of 2.5 hours, led by Emma Ribas, a psychologist specialized in this field. Patients learn breathing techniques, relaxation, body awareness and practical exercises to recognize and manage emotions. Emotional connection with partners, self-esteem and body perception are also addressed, with activities that can be done at home.
Preliminary results from previous groups show that Mindfulsex has a positive impact in several areas. “In both the pilot and future workshops, we assess different aspects of participants’ lives before and after the course to understand how Mindfulsex affects their emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, body image, sexuality, relationships and overall quality of life,” explains Rut Carpio.
Natalia,one of the patients who took part in the program, shared her experience: “After breast cancer surgery, your body image is altered in an unwanted way, which affects your self-esteem and psychological wellbeing, and of course your sexual health.” She adds: “In the workshops we work on relaxation, mindfulness, reconnection with the body... to be able to enjoy life fully again.”
“The program is being implemented with a clear commitment to continuous improvement and rigorous evaluation. It offers a safe and complementary tool to enhance patients’ emotional wellbeing, self-esteem and sexual health,” says Milana Bergamino.
Therapeutic innovation: leadership in cellular therapy for breast cancer
The event also showcased the research lines in cellular therapy led by the Clínic Barcelona Comprehensive Cancer Center, a personalized strategy that uses immune system cells to fight cancer.
Currently, the center is conducting two pioneering clinical trials:
- TILS001, using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), aimed at patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The study is being carried out in four Spanish hospitals, including Clínic Barcelona.
- ARI-HER2, using CAR-T therapy, aimed at patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. This trial is pending approval from the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices and could become the first of its kind in Europe.
These initiatives position the Clínic Barcelona Comprehensive Cancer Center as a leading institution in the development of innovative treatments in the academic field, opening new therapeutic pathways for breast cancer.
