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 18.10.2024

A new era in cancer metastasis research

The Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), based in the Barcelona Science Park, heads Adaptmet, an European project aimed at advancing our understanding of metastasis by training the next generation of leaders in this field. With a total budget of €4.4 M and under the guidance of Dr. Roger Gomis, this initiative brings together 14 top European academic, clinical and industrial organisations in cancer research across Europe.

The prevalence of cancer continues to rise, affecting more than 3.5 million people in Europe, with metastasis being responsible for the vast majority of deaths associated with the disease. Cancer metastasis is responsible for more than 90% of deaths related to this disease, making it one of the most pressing challenges in oncology. Despite advancements in cancer treatments, metastasis remains poorly understood and difficult to treat.

As a continuation of the successful Evomet, the Adaptmet project aims to address this unmet medical need by focusing on the mechanisms that enable cancer cells to adapt and spread, with the ultimate goal of transforming therapeutic approaches and improving patient care.

“By exploring the fundamental mechanisms that determine how cancer cells adapt to new environments, our goal is to identify new pharmacological targets and treatment strategies that can effectively combat metastasis. This project builds on the success of Evomet and takes a step further by incorporating the latest scientific advancements and cutting-edge methodologies”, explains Dr. Gomis, ICREA researcher at IRB Barcelona and leader of the project.

One of the cornerstones of Adaptmet is its commitment to training the next generation of cancer researchers. The project offers a unique doctoral programme designed to equip 16 young scientists with the technical expertise and transferable skills necessary for a successful career in academia or industry. Through a combination of training events, the researchers will have access to direct mentoring, hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, and a comprehensive programme that includes communication, project management, and professional development.

The total budget for the project amounts to €4.4 M, of which €3.5 M is provided by the European Commission, €307,786 by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and €607,132 by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

» For further information: IRB Barcelona website [+]