The Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) joins the commemoration of the International Day of Cancer Research by recognizing the work of its researchers, who are dedicated to advancing the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the most prevalent cancers.

IdISBa's Oncology Area comprises eight specialized research groups, complemented by other institute teams conducting cancer-related research. This multidisciplinary activity, ranging from basic research to clinical trials and precision medicine, generates knowledge with a direct impact on people's health.

Over the past year, IdISBa researchers have promoted projects aimed at improving the understanding of the biological mechanisms of tumors, identifying new therapeutic targets and developing tools that enable increasingly personalized care.

A New "Lipid Fingerprint" for Colorectal Cancer

Among the most notable achievements of the year is a study led by IdISBa researchers and published in eBioMedicine, which identified a new lipid fingerprint of colorectal cancer. The research described four distinct types of tumor cells according to the lipid composition of their membranes and demonstrated that these patterns follow a specific organization within the tumor.

The study also revealed unique features of metastatic lesions linked to DHA metabolism, providing new insights into how cancer cells adapt and spread to other organs. This knowledge could contribute to the future development of new diagnostic tools and more personalized treatments for colorectal cancer patients.

This work is part of the activities of the Human Lipids in Pathology Group, which has also strengthened the application of advanced molecular imaging and mass spectrometry techniques to study tumor heterogeneity. In addition, IdISBa has promoted the new Molecular Imaging and Mass Spectrometry Platform, an infrastructure that enhances research capabilities in the Balearic Islands in this field.

Understanding Metastasis to Develop New Treatments

One of the main priorities of cancer research is understanding how cancer cells spread to other organs. In this area, the Cancer Cell Biology Group (BIOCANCER) has further investigated the mechanisms involved in breast cancer metastasis and identified molecular changes associated with tumor progression and responses to emerging therapies, including immunotherapy.

Meanwhile, the Advanced Therapies and Biomarkers in Clinical Oncology Group has identified new therapeutic targets in sarcomas and continues to advance the genomic characterization of hereditary tumors. The group is also incorporating artificial intelligence tools to improve the identification of genetic risk variants.

New Biomarkers for More Accurate Diagnosis

Biomarker identification is essential for improving early diagnosis and patient monitoring. The Multidisciplinary Group of Translational Oncology (GMOT) is studying the relationship between metabolism, inflammation and tumor progression, while also identifying new biomarkers from extracellular vesicles in breast and colorectal cancers.

In breast cancer, the group's studies have provided new insights into the role of the tissue surrounding the tumor and, specifically, how obesity and signaling from adipocytes can alter breast cells and create an environment that favors tumor progression.

These research lines may contribute in the future to the development of less invasive tools to predict disease progression and personalize treatments.

Greater Precision in Breast Cancer Treatment

The Functional Oncogenomics Group investigates why breast cancer, the most common cancer among women, is increasingly being diagnosed at younger ages. Researchers have demonstrated that some of the most aggressive breast cancers in young women are associated with changes occurring in the breast following a first pregnancy and breastfeeding. This finding helps explain the origins of these tumors and opens new avenues for improved diagnosis and treatment.

The group has a strong translational focus, as reflected in its close collaboration with the Breast Oncology Unit at Son Espases University Hospital. This partnership has led to one of its most significant achievements: the implementation of a liquid biopsy tool capable of detecting resistance to hormone therapies at an early stage in patients with metastatic disease. The tool is already being used in clinical practice.

The group also participates in the DESERT-I clinical trial, led by Son Espases, which is assessing new radiotherapy strategies in inoperable patients to better understand the immune response against tumors.

Therapeutic Innovation for Ovarian Cancer

The development of new therapeutic approaches is another strategic priority for IdISBa. The Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Group (TERCIT) is working on innovative solutions for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer.

Among its most promising achievements are the development of local drug delivery systems for use after surgery and the creation of patient-derived organoid models, which enable more accurate disease studies and personalized evaluation of treatment responses.

Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles Against Cancer

The fight against cancer involves not only developing new treatments but also strengthening prevention. In this area, the Research Group on Nutritional Epidemiology and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology (NUTRECOR) continues to investigate the relationship between lifestyle habits and cancer risk.

Over the last year, its studies have provided evidence linking greater adherence to international cancer prevention recommendations with improved survival among colorectal cancer patients. At the same time, the group is developing digital tools to help the population adopt healthier lifestyles.

Multidisciplinary Research with a Direct Health Impact

These achievements represent only part of the cancer research carried out at IdISBa. Research groups specializing in hematological malignancies, monoclonal gammopathies, myelodysplastic syndromes, oncological surgery and functional oncogenomics, together with other institute teams working on cancer-related research, contribute to generating knowledge and translating it into clinical practice.

On the International Day of Cancer Research, IdISBa wishes to recognize the dedication of the professionals who work every day to advance knowledge of this disease and to highlight that research remains an essential tool for providing new opportunities for diagnosis, treatment and hope to patients and their families.

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