Spain leads European initiative to improve understanding of cancer metastases

The prevalence of cancer continues to rise, affecting more than 3.5 million people in Europe, and metastases account for the vast majority of deaths associated with the disease. Cancer metastasis, accompanied by the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to other organs and tissues, is responsible for more than 90% of deaths associated with this disease, making it one of the main problems in oncology. Despite progress in cancer treatment, metastases remain poorly understood and difficult to control.

In this context ADAPTMET – a new European initiativeled by IRB Barcelona, ​​with the aim of improving our understanding of metastasis by training researchers specialized in this field. ADAPTMET is a continuation of the successful Evomet project and aims to push the boundaries of research. ADAPTMET addresses unmet medical needs and focuses on the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to adapt and spread. His ultimate goal is to revolutionize therapeutic approaches and improve patient care.

This initiative, with a total budget of 4.4 million euros, brings together 14 European research institutes

known for preparing the next generation of leaders in the field of metastasis research. The project is led by Roger Gomis, a researcher specialized in cancer metastasis at IRB Barcelona. The expert emphasized the relevance of the project, saying that “by exploring the fundamental mechanisms that allow cancer cells to adapt to new environments, we aim to identify new drug targets and treatment strategies that can effectively combat metastases.” In addition, he emphasized that “this project builds on the achievements of Evomet and goes one step further by integrating the latest scientific advances and advanced methodologies.”

“By exploring the fundamental mechanisms that allow cancer cells to adapt to new environments, we aim to identify new drug targets and treatment strategies that can effectively combat metastasis.”

Roger Gomis, researcher specialized in cancer metastasis at IRB Barcelona.

Four scientific approaches

This project examines metastasis from four key scientific approaches that are fundamental aspects of this complex disease. On the one hand, we study how cancer cells coordinate various cellular functions to facilitate metastasis, as understanding how cells regulate their fate in response to environmental changes may reveal new therapeutic strategies. On the other hand, since metastasis involves complex interactions betweenCancer cells and their environmentwhich includes the immune system and surrounding tissues, the goal is to understand how these interactions influence cancer progression.

Likewise, another key point is delayas many metastatic cells may remain inactive for long periods of time before being reactivated. This approach aims to understand the mechanisms underlying this latency and subsequent reactivation, which is critical to improve early detection and treatment. Finally, it is also analyzed how metastases spread and become persistent

therapy, highlighting opportunities for new therapeutic interventions.

Train the next generation

One of ADAPTMET’s pillars is its commitment to training the next generation of cancer researchers. The project offers unique doctoral programdesigned to provide 16 young scientists with the technical experience and transferable skills needed to develop successful careers in academia or industry. Through a series of training events, researchers will have access to direct mentoring, hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and a comprehensive program including training in communications, project management and professional development.

“After finishing my PhD, I was appointed as a permanent research fellow at the University of Eastern Piedmont (Italy), which involves an accelerated promotion to assistant professor in two years,” she said. Benedetta Conte, former PhD student of the Evomet project. “This achievement was made possible thanks to the recognition and professional connections I received while working at Evomet, and the extensive training in communication and interview skills allowed me to feel confident and well prepared to apply for these positions,” Conte said, noting that “I highly recommend this doctoral program to any early-stage researcher wishing to pursue a career in cancer research.”

16 young researchers of the program will under the guidance of leading experts

in the field of cancer: Roger Gomis from IRB Barcelona; Mohamed Bentires-Alge from the University of Basel; Cédric Blancpin from the Free University of Brussels, State Cancer Therapy; Sebastian Carotta of Boehringer Ingelheim; Marion Graupera from the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute Foundation (IJC); Joanna Joyce from the University of Lausanne; Federico De Masi of ZS Associates; Anna Christina Obenauf from the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP); Aleisha Prat and Farah Braso from FCRB-IDIBAPS; Christian Pietras from Lund University; Victoria Sanz-Moreno and Andrew Tutt from the LBG Royal Cancer Hospital Institute of Cancer Research; Sakari Vanharanta from the University of Helsinki; and Karin E. de Visser from Stichting Het Nederlands Kanker Instituut – Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis (NKI).

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