Senescent Cell Elimination in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Combined Strategy to Prevent Relapses 

Dr. Verónica Rodilla (PI); Basseem Radwan; Joan Balibrea; Elena Castillo; David Olivares. Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute – IJC. Barcelona.

This project explores an innovative approach to eliminating senescent cells in non-Hodgkin lymphoma using a combined strategy. The aim is to prevent relapses, thereby improving the efficacy of current treatments and providing new therapeutic avenues for patients with this type of hematological cancer.

Dual Targeting of MYC Oncoproteins: Synergistic Inactivation and Proteasomal Degradation via Benzanilide-Based PROTACs 

Dr. Irene Herrera González (PI); Jaime Font; Nuria Martínez. Health Research Institute, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia.

The objective of this project is to design and develop benzanilid-based PROTACs to achieve a dual action on MYC oncoproteins: synergistic inactivation and proteasomal degradation. This strategy could open new therapeutic opportunities in tumors with high MYC dependence, offering more effective and specific treatments.

Influence of nutritional status and microbiota on treatment response in childhood and adolescent cancer.

Dr. Antonio Juan Ribelles (PI); Andrea Sánchez; Anna Parra; Fatima Abu-Sharif. La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital Research Foundation, Valencia.

This project analyzes how nutritional status and gut microbiota composition affect the evolution and response to treatment in pediatric cancer patients. The objective is to optimize therapies by improving nutrition and microbial balance to achieve better clinical outcomes.

Implication of VDR brain expression in the control of energy homeostasis and its regulation in type II diabetes

Dr. Jèssica Latorre Luque (PI); Alba Casellas; Dolors Puigoriol; Susanna Bodoy. Faculty of Health and Welfare Sciences – Mechanisms of Disease (MoDLab) Group – IRIS-CC Research Institute – University of Vic. Barcelona

This study investigates how the expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the brain influences the control of energy balance in patients with type II diabetes. It also explores epigenetic factors that regulate this expression, with the goal of developing personalized treatments for this disease.

Prognostic value of tumor microenvironment molecules in melanoma

Dr. Sonia Segura Tigell; Laura Parra; Alexandre Calon; Evelyn Andrades; Jordi Badia; Alba Recort; Joana Vidal; Mònica Larrubia; Mònica Gonzàlez; Fernando Gallardo. Hospital del Mar Research Institute (HMRIB/IMIM). Barcelona

This project evaluates the expression of certain molecules and the inflammatory response within the tumor in advanced melanomas, in order to identify markers that can predict the evolution of the disease and help personalize treatments.

Structural Modification of Sulfonamides into Tubulin Ligands with Antitumor Potential

Dr. Raquel Álvarez Lozano (PI); Laura Gallego. University of Salamanca – Faculty of Pharmacy. Salamanca

This study aims to create and analyze new sulfonamide-derived compounds that act on tubulin, a key target in chemotherapy. The innovation lies in improving the efficacy and solubility of these compounds to overcome resistance and optimize the treatment of solid tumors.

In 2025, the Jané Mateu Foundation Award is given to the Contigo Contra el Cáncer de la Mujer Foundation, in recognition of its valuable work and the career of its founder, Dr. Javier Cortés Castán.

Dr. Cortés, an international authority in medical oncology and an expert in breast cancer, especially the HER2 subtype, is leading transformative research aimed at improving early diagnosis and treatments of women’s cancer.

The Foundation promotes a comprehensive vision of science to advance the fight against all types of cancer that affect women, improving the health and quality of life of patients.

Efecto de diferentes estrategias nutricionales en la pérdida de peso, salud metabólica y efecto rebote en adultos con sobrepeso u obesidad. Estudio piloto

Dra. María Luisa Miguel Berges (IP), contratada postdoctoral CIBER; Dr. Luis Alberto Moreno Aznar (IP) del Grupo Genud, Universidad de Zaragoza y Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red – CIBER de Madrid.

The results of this pilot study confirm that the Mediterranean Diet is the most effective strategy for weight loss and improved metabolic health in overweight or obese adults, with significant reductions in weight (-8.54 kg, p<0.001), BMI (-3.09 kg/m², p<0.001), waist circumference (-8.32 cm, p<0.001), and fasting glucose (p<0.001). The Low-Carbohydrate Diet also showed improvements in body composition, with a moderate weight loss (-4.34 kg, p=0.01) and a significant decrease in waist circumference (-4.74 cm, p<0.001). In contrast, the High-Protein Diet, while not significantly impacting weight loss (-4.43 kg, p=0.81), did reduce systemic inflammation by decreasing C-reactive protein (p=0.01), suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Dietary adherence was higher in the Mediterranean Diet group, and the consumption of ultra-processed foods decreased in all groups. These findings reinforce the importance of tailoring nutritional interventions to individual needs and underscore the relevance of the Mediterranean Diet as a comprehensive approach to treating overweight and obesity. However, long-term follow-up is needed to assess the rebound effect and sustainability of each strategy. Future research should expand the sample size, extend the study duration, and analyze the gut microbiota and other inflammatory markers for a better understanding of the impact of these strategies on metabolic health.

Mitocure: nuevas dianas terapéuticas personalizadas en las enfermedades metabólicas mitocondriales

Dr. José Antonio Sánchez Alcázar (IP); Paula Cilleros Holgado (PCH); David Gómez Fernández (DGF); Dra. Mónica Álvarez Córdoba (MAC). Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo – CSIC, Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla.

El antídoto contra el gluten: Análisis del efecto antiinflamatorio de epi-nutraceúticos en la salud digestiva

Dra. Ainara Castellanos Rubio (IP); Leire Bergara (PhD student); Dr. Luis Bujanda. Universidad del País Vasco, UPV-EHU. Leioa (Bizkaia).

There are nutraceutical compounds that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties with the potential to reduce gluten-induced inflammation, both in the specific context of celiac disease and in more general situations of gluten sensitivity. These findings open the door to considering nutraceuticals as an alternative or complement to current dietary strategies, which in many cases are limited solely to the strict exclusion of gluten. The development and use of more advanced models, such as organoids in which all cell populations are present, will allow for a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved and the evaluation of the efficacy of these compounds in an environment closer to that of humans.
If their usefulness is confirmed, nutraceuticals could become an innovative therapeutic tool, capable of improving the quality of life of celiac patients and other people with gluten-related disorders. The support provided by the Jane Mateu Foundation has been vital to advancing this project and laying the groundwork for future studies.

Unveiling Circulating Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Cancer Cachexia

Expert group on models of cancer cachexia: Dra. Silvia Busquets (IP); Dr. Francisco Javier López-Soriano. Departamento de Bioquímica y Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Biología, UB. Barcelona.

Expert group in microRNAs and Biomarkers: Dra. Mireia Olivan (IP); Miriam Tenorio. Departamento de Patología y Terapéutica Experimental, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, UB. Hospitalet de Llobregat. Barcelona.

Cancer-associated cachexia is a complex syndrome that severely impacts patients’ quality of life. Our goal is to detect it before clinical symptoms appear, using biomarkers based on circulating microRNAs.

We used the AH130 rat model and established three experimental groups: ✔ Controls ✔ Early phase (no muscle mass loss) ✔ Cachectic phase (with an approximate 20% reduction in muscle mass)

Our analysis revealed specific expression of four microRNAs that emerges in the pre-cachectic phase and persists throughout disease progression. This confirms that molecular alterations are detectable in plasma from the earliest stages.

This finding opens the door to:

🔹 Early diagnosis before clinical manifestation

🔹 Nutritional or pharmacological interventions to slow progression

🔹 Improved tolerance to cancer treatments and quality of life

Our research reinforces the hypothesis that cancer cachexia is preceded by measurable and asymptomatic molecular changes, and that identifying them is key to advancing towards more preventive and personalized medicine.

Las kinesinas mitóticas como dianas para el tratamiento del cáncer: hacia la inhibición dual para un efecto sinérgico

Dra. Mª Concepción Pérez Melero (IP); Dra. Mª Mercedes Garayoa Berrueta; Mario de Juan Alberdi; Gabriel Rodríguez Santos. Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia. Centro de Investigación del Cáncer (USAL-CSIC). Universidad de Salamanca.

The study develops compounds as mitotic kinesin inhibitors to block tumor cell proliferation.

Key results:

• Inhibitor design: Proposal of individual inhibitors of two mitotic kinesins and hybrid multi-inhibitors.
• Compound preparation: Preparation via organic synthesis and characterization of the designed ligands.
• Biological activity: Cytotoxicity is observed in tumor cells, with cell death induced by apoptosis.

These results represent an advance in the development of new antitumor agents by inhibiting mitotic kinesins.

Influencia de la microbiota intestinal en la respuesta y tolerancia a la irradiación de tumores localizados en área pélvica

Radiation Oncology Service: Dra. Margarita Martín Martín (IP); Marina Alarza; Sonsoles Sancho García; Fernando López; Jose Antonio Domínguez; Teresa Muñoz; Carolina de La Pinta.Microbiology: Rosa del Campo.

Immunology: Luisa María Villar Guimerans; Mercedes Espiño Martínez; Noelia Villarrubia Migallón. Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Ramón y Cajal IRYCIS. Madrid.

The response to radiotherapy treatment, as well as the acute and chronic side effects it causes, are highly variable, even in tumors with similar histology. In recent years, the influence of the intestinal microbiota on the pathogenesis of cancer, as well as the response to systemic treatments, has been highlighted. Different preclinical studies also relate it to tolerance and response to irradiation.

We intend to evaluate the possible relationship between the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the intestinal toxicity produced by radiotherapy treatment at the pelvic level, as well as the response to said treatment. The secondary objective will be to analyze whether the type of microbiota is related to the presence of inflammatory factors and short-chain fatty acids in plasma.

Dr. Xavier Gómez-Batiste i Alentorn

Colaborador de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS)

The scientific committee of the Jané Mateu Foundation has awarded the prize to Dr. Xavier Gómez-Batiste i Alentorn. He has held various leadership and responsibility roles in medical and academic institutions. Currently, he stands out as director of the ‘Qualy’ Observatory, Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Public Palliative Care Programs at the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO). In addition, he serves as scientific director of the Comprehensive Care Program for People with Advanced Illnesses and their Families at ‘La Caixa’ Welfare Projects.

Regarding his scientific production, Dr. Gómez-Batiste Alentorn has published more than 150 articles and 6 books in the field of palliative care. His publications cover various aspects of this discipline, from the planning and organization of services and programs, to the evaluation and improvement of their quality. His research has been notable for its focus on multicenter studies with a public health perspective.

Multifunctional Nanomembranes for Non-Invasive Clinical Monitoring

José Manuel García Torres

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Barcelona

The study develops flexible double-layer nanomembranes (PANI/PLA) modified with gold nanowires for non-invasive clinical monitoring in biological tissues such as the skin.

Key Results:
• pH detection: Sensitivity of 47 mV·pH⁻¹, suitable for a critical range of 4.0-9.0.
• NADH detection: Sensitivity of 0.97 μA·cm⁻²·mM⁻¹ and a detection limit of 0.39 mM.
• Portable bioelectronics: Promotes applications in dynamic surfaces such as skin and organs.

These advancements promise to revolutionize non-invasive clinical monitoring and open up new possibilities for implantable and portable devices.

Hydrogels for Controlled Release of Antidepressant Drugs

Fernando Yáñez Gómez

Universidad de las Islas Baleares. Palma de Mallorca

The study develops an in situ gelation hydrogel using Pluronic F127 and hyaluronic acid for the controlled release of antidepressant molecules via subcutaneous administration.

Key Results:
• Controlled release: Optimizes therapeutic efficacy with prolonged release of the active ingredient.
• Treatment adherence: Reduces the frequency of administration, enhancing patient adherence.
• Stress reduction: Simplifies administration in experimental models, minimizing manipulation and stress.

This advancement highlights the versatility of hydrogels in innovative treatments, especially in the field of mental health.

Unravelling the Coeliac Immunome: Exploring the Immune System in Coeliac Disease

Dr. David Bernardo Ordiz

Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular. Valladolid

Chronocrit Study: Evaluation of Sleep and Circadian Health in Critical Patients

Dr. Adriano Targa Días Santos

Institut de Recerca Biomèdica. Lleida

The study analyzes sleep recovery and circadian rhythms in critical patients after their stay in the ICU.

Key Results:
• Sleep Recovery: Improvements may extend up to 24 months after the acute phase.
• Patient Profiles: Identifies groups with rapid improvements and others with slower progress.
• Relationship with Mental Health: Sleep improvement is directly linked to mental well-being.

These findings underscore the need to integrate sleep health into post-ICU rehabilitation.

Artificial Intelligence in the Pre-Anesthetic Triage of Surgical Breast Cancer Patients

Dr. Andrés Ancor Serrano Afonso

Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge. IDIBELL. Hospitalet de Llobregat

The study develops an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool for pre-anesthetic risk assessment in breast cancer surgeries.

Key Results:
• Automation: Utilizes clinical data and personalized questionnaires to assess risks.
• Comprehensive Evaluation: Analyzes variables using validated scales, improving patient safety.

This advancement highlights the impact of AI in medicine, optimizing surgical preparation and strengthening the trust of both the medical team and the patient.

Mediterranean Plants Against Respiratory Superbugs

Dra. Sara Quero Blanca

Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT). Sabadell

Dr. Manel Esteller

Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute

The scientific committee of the Jané Mateu Foundation has awarded the prize to Dr. Manel Esteller. Graduated in medicine from the University of Barcelona, ​​he has developed invaluable work in the field of Epigenetics, currently being recognized as one of the most expert people internationally. Author of more than 200 scientific articles and editor of various publications, he currently holds the position of president of the Epigenetics Society.

His research has contributed and facilitated the complementation of scientific paradigms, demonstrating that external factors have a relevant influence, directly modifying genes and their expression.