Research - Unit of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer research has two different aspects: the clinical aspect, based on clinical trials that investigate new diagnostic methods, improvements in breast and armpit surgery or reconstruction, and new, more effective and less toxic drugs; and a second strand, basic and translational, which is mainly carried out in the laboratory.

Clinical research is multidisciplinary. Over 130 breast cancer patients have received treatment for their disease as part of a clinical trial, and for this to happen, there must be a high level of coordination between all the doctors in the Unit who are involved in the patient's treatment.  The first step is to invite and inform patients that they can, if they wish, participate in a study previously approved by the medical research ethics committee. If they agree, they will sign an informed consent form that guarantees that the patient receives all the necessary information about the proposed treatment, its possible benefits and side effects. Every year, over 130 breast cancer patients receive treatment for their disease as part of a clinical trial that offers opportunities and benefits for both patients and research into the disease. Other clinical studies, aimed at de-escalating surgery or radiotherapy, surgical rehabilitation, support for side effects and technological improvements, also take place within the Breast Unit and contribute to the excellence of the treatment received.

Transnational research is essential for advancing cancer treatment, and at our CELLEX laboratory, the team led by Dr Prat and Dr Fara Braso is working on identifying biomarkers to advance precision medicine and the development of new targeted therapies.  Current laboratory conditions allow us to perform highly complex techniques such as multi-omic analysis (DNA, RNA, proteins, etc.), next-generation sequencing, single-cell sequencing, digital spatial characterization, transnational and preclinical studies in cell models, etc.