The Breast Cancer Clinical Research Unit of the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO) is working to tackle tumor drug resistance and create virtual models of patients.

To commemorate World Day Against Breast Cancer, the Office for Cultural and Scientific Affairs of the Embassy of Spain in London wants to highlight the outstanding job being carried out to raise awareness of this condition and promote earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments.

Among them is the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), which is vigorously is fighting to end breast tumors. Researchers from this center were among the first ones that carried on studies on BRCA1 and BRCA2, offered genetic advice, and found out prognostic markers for triple-negative breast cancer, the most aggressive and the most difficult to treat.

CNIO has a specific research unit for breast cancer, directed by Miguel Ángel Quintela. This scientist and his team work to avoid the resistance to drugs shown by several patients to increase the effectiveness of treatments.

Some years ago, members of the unit discovered that all types of cancer need a protein (FASN) to develop. Based on these results, they are now looking for inhibitors of this protein that will help fight the tumors.

They are also studying how to classify breast cancer patients depending on their genes. This approach is essential to know beforehand which treatments will work for each patient. Their final objective is to build a virtual model of the patients combining genetic and lifestyle information. This is a multidisciplinary project in which doctors, clinicians, and engineers are collaborating to improve breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

For more information, please get in contact with the Department of Communication of the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO).