Four post-resident specialists will complete their clinical training at IIS La Fe with a contract to develop their research projects

La Fe Health Research Institute (IIS La Fe) has awarded four research contracts to post-residents who have completed their training. The purpose of this initiative is to promote and consolidate their research spirit through projects that they will carry out within the research groups of IIS La Fe over the course of two years. During the contract period, they will also have the opportunity to undertake a stay of up to three months at a research center of excellence abroad.

The post-resident researchers have joined the research groups of Neuromuscular Pathology and Ataxias, Hematology and Hemotherapy, Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, and the Joint Unit of Maternal Cardiovascular Health, Preeclampsia, and Preterm Birth at IIS La Fe.

The researchers will launch four projects approved by the IIS La Fe Research Commission. These projects focus on topics such as early detection and monitoring of preeclampsia through the integration of advanced molecular technologies into conventional clinical methods, precision medicine applied to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the study of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, and the influence of nutritional status and microbiota on treatment response in childhood and adolescent cancer.

Clinical Training to Foster Young Research Talent

The twenty-fourth edition of this program promotes young talent and allows four post-residents to complete their clinical training with scientific research activities, ultimately leading to the publication of high-impact scientific papers. Since the year 2000, more than 100 specialists have developed their research projects at IIS La Fe through this program after completing their residency. This is a well-established initiative by IIS La Fe to integrate young healthcare specialists into sustained research activities.

In this edition, the program also included an evaluation by the IIS La Fe Citizen Commission, made up of representatives from social groups. This commission assessed the social impact and relevance of the proposed projects. This citizen participation initiative aims to strengthen the connection between research and societal needs.

The selected projects in the 2024 call are as follows:

From Comparison to Synergy: Optimization of Early Detection and Monitoring of Preeclampsia through the Integration of Advanced Molecular Technologies into Conventional Clinical Methods

Elena Satorres Pérez, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, aims to identify pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia, optimize its diagnosis, and predict its severity using advanced molecular technologies. The project combines tests that analyze proteins and molecules from the placenta circulating in maternal blood with traditional methods such as blood pressure measurement and maternal history. Early detection of preeclampsia and its complications will allow doctors to intervene earlier and personalize treatment, reducing complications and improving health outcomes for both mothers and newborns. Preeclampsia affects approximately 8% of pregnant women worldwide, causing high blood pressure and organ damage, potentially leading to severe complications if undetected.

Precision Medicine Applied to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A Complex Interaction of Genes, Metabolism, and Environment

Neurologist Pilar Helena García Casanova's research project will analyze the interaction between genetics, metabolism, and environmental factors in ALS patients and healthy carriers of ALS-causing genetic mutations. Biomarkers such as microbiota, lipids, and DNA modifications will be studied to identify patient subgroups that could benefit from specific therapeutic strategies. The findings aim to reduce diagnostic delays, improve prognosis, and open new paths for personalized treatments. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease with high variability in its presentation and a grim prognosis, with no effective treatment to date.

Implementation of Optical Genome Mapping and Whole-Exome Sequencing in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients

David Martínez Campuzano, a hematology and hemotherapy specialist, seeks to integrate emerging technologies such as optical genome mapping and whole-exome sequencing to analyze tumor DNA in the bone marrow of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients. These combined tools offer a comprehensive view of tumor DNA, identifying structural alterations and point mutations. The goal is to achieve more precise genetic profiling and improve risk assessment, leading to more personalized and effective treatments. MM is a type of bone marrow cancer that affects plasma cells, impairing blood production, weakening bones, and damaging organs such as the kidneys.

Influence of Nutritional Status and Microbiota on Treatment Response in Childhood and Adolescent Cancer

Andrea Sánchez Robles, a nurse, leads a project investigating the role of gut microbiota in human health and disease, particularly its influence on drug response, adverse reactions, and prognosis in childhood and adolescent cancer. The study includes nutritional assessments and follow-ups of patients aged 0 to 18 with cancer or relapse, along with microbiota analyses from stool and oropharyngeal swab samples. The objective is to optimize nutritional status, improve quality of life, and explore microbial diversity as a prognostic factor, opening new research avenues in pediatric cancer and its future clinical applications. Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in children and adolescents, and nutritional status significantly impacts oncological outcomes.