The laboratory of Biomarker’s is focused on the molecular mechanisms associated with the transformation of normal lung epithelial cells into lung tumors. One of our main translational aim is to find molecular markers related to lung carcinogenesis to develop new strategies for lung cancer early detection. We also try to design new molecular targeted therapies that may be useful in the treatment of lung tumors.

Our own expertise in cellular and molecular biology is enriched by a very close collaboration with a number of departments ot the Clinica Universitaria of Navarra involved in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Specifically, we collaborate with the Departments of Pulmonary Medicine, Oncology, Thoracic Surgery, Radiology, Pathology, and Nuclear Medicine.

Less than 20% of lung cancer patients are diagnosed in early stages when surgical intervention is possible. More aggressive and less effective strategies (chemo and radiotherapy) are needed for patients diagnosed at late stages. Molecular biomarkers for detection of lung cancer at early stages can be used to improve lung cancer survival rates. The use of these markers can be combined with imaging diagnostic techniques (such as spiral CT), ensuring a higher specificity in finding potentially lethal lung cancers. Molecular profiling of these early lesions may also help to understand the biology of the small nodules detected by screening programs. Besides, the development of robust and validated biomarkers may improve cost-effectiveness if applied for the selection of the high risk population amenable to benefit from CT- or other image-based screening protocols.

For this reason, we are working in the development of new strategies for early lung cancer detection based on the molecular alterations that drive or are associated with lung carcinogenesis. In order to achieve our aim we have a double approach:
a) Basic studies in which we try to characterize molecular alterations in lung carcinogenesis to search for new candidates for detection.
b) Translational studies in which we evaluate potential candidates in clinical samples, biologic fluids, etc, and try to develop new diagnostic tools suitable for clinical application.

Ongoing projects in the lab include:

1. Study of the role of inflammation in lung cancer by the generation of lung tumors in animal models driven by chronic inflammation
2. Molecular mechanisms used by lung cancer cells to avoid activation of the complement system
3. Neoplasia-related changes in the RNA processing machinery and their role in lung carcinogenesis
4. Standardization and validation of molecular biomarkers in the context of early detection of lung cancer
5. Development of splicing microarrays for the identification of new molecular biomarkers for lung cancer
6. Genomic and cytogenetic techniques in the development of new strategies for early lung cancer detection.