IDIBAPS, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer

Main lines of research

At clinical level, we are working on the definition of new diagnostic tools and, to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments, we are refining optimum criterial for indicating radical treatment (surgical resection, transplant, percutaneous approach with injection of alcohol or thermal ablation) to achieve the greatest efficacy in terms of both survival and associated morbidity. In the area of treatment, we evaluate options for improving the efficacy of noncurative treatments for which we have shown efficacy in increasing survival (arterial chemoembolization, sorafenib). In this regard, we are developing and leading phase 1, 2 and 3 studies at international level to determine the efficacy of new molecular agents. At the same time, we are evaluating the efficacy of antiangiogenic treatment to prevent recurrence after surgery or ablation.

In terms of translational research, we are researching the pathogenesis of liver cell carcinoma, analyzing new signalling pathways and genomic abnormalities implicated in the development of the tumor, and identifying new therapeutic targets. An international consortium for genome research on liver cell carcinoma has been constituted in collaboration with Mount Sinai Medical School, Harvard University and the Instituto di Tumori in Milan, Italy, which has consolidated a tissue bank of enormous importance.