Barcelona Researchers Target “Achilles Heel” of Childhood Leukaemia with New Funding
A significant boost to cancer research in Barcelona has been announced, with Professor Óscar Molina of the University of Barcelona receiving a €372,500 grant from the Association Against Cancer (AECC). This funding will support his groundbreaking project focused on identifying vulnerabilities in childhood leukaemia cells, specifically those with an abnormal number of chromosomes – a condition known as aneuploidy.
Understanding Aneuploidy in Leukaemia
Leukaemia, a cancer of the blood, affects children and adults alike. Professor Molina’s research delves into a particularly challenging aspect of the disease: how leukaemia cells survive and proliferate despite chromosomal abnormalities. Aneuploidy alters cell activity, and understanding these altered mechanisms is crucial for developing more effective, targeted treatments.
The project, titled “Identification of the Achilles heel of childhood leukaemia with aneuploidies to improve patient treatment,” aims to pinpoint specific weaknesses within these cancer cells. By exploiting these vulnerabilities, researchers hope to design therapies that selectively destroy leukaemia cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues, reducing the debilitating side effects often associated with cancer treatment.
A Broader Investment in Cancer Research
The AECC’s commitment extends beyond Professor Molina’s project. The organization has awarded a total of €13.11 million in grants to 54 cancer research projects and provided accreditation to six research centres within the province of Barcelona. This substantial investment covers the entire spectrum of cancer research, from fundamental laboratory studies to clinical trials, and innovation.
Filotea Crasovan, a student at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Barcelona, has also received an AECC grant through the laboratory internship programme, fostering the next generation of cancer researchers.
National Impact and Ambitious Goals
Nationally, the Association Against Cancer is the leading private entity funding cancer research in Spain, having committed €157 million to 792 ongoing grants. In 2025 alone, the association allocated €40 million to 282 new research initiatives. These efforts are driven by an ambitious goal: to achieve a 70% cancer survival rate by 2030.
The Role of Collaboration
Núria Montserrat Pulido, Catalan Minister for Research and Universities, emphasized the importance of collaboration between institutions, the scientific community, and social organizations in advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes. This collaborative approach is seen as essential for accelerating progress and translating scientific discoveries into tangible benefits for those affected by cancer.
Future Trends in Childhood Leukaemia Research
Personalized Medicine Approaches
Professor Molina’s work exemplifies a growing trend towards personalized medicine in cancer treatment. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, researchers are increasingly focusing on tailoring treatments to the specific genetic and molecular characteristics of each patient’s cancer. Understanding aneuploidy is a key step in this direction.
Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapy
The identification of the “Achilles heel” of leukaemia cells opens the door to developing targeted therapies that specifically disrupt the mechanisms allowing these cells to survive. This could involve small molecule drugs or immunotherapy approaches that harness the power of the immune system to attack cancer cells.
Early Detection and Biomarkers
Alongside treatment advancements, research is also focused on early detection and the identification of biomarkers – measurable indicators of cancer presence or progression. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, particularly in childhood leukaemia.
FAQ
Q: What is aneuploidy?
A: Aneuploidy is a condition where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes. This can disrupt normal cell function and contribute to the development of cancer.
Q: What is the AECC’s goal for cancer survival rates?
A: The AECC aims to achieve a 70% cancer survival rate by 2030.
Q: How will Professor Molina’s grant be used?
A: The grant will fund research into the mechanisms that allow leukaemia cells with aneuploidy to survive, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets.
Q: What is the significance of identifying an “Achilles heel” in cancer cells?
A: Identifying a critical vulnerability allows researchers to develop targeted therapies that specifically disrupt the cancer cells’ survival mechanisms, minimizing harm to healthy tissues.
Did you know? The Association Against Cancer is the largest private funder of cancer research in Spain.
Pro Tip: Staying informed about the latest cancer research breakthroughs can empower you to advocate for your health and craft informed decisions about treatment options.
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