Three researchers from NOVA Medical School were recently distinguished by the Portuguese League Against Cancer (LPCC) with two Oncology Research Grants and an honorable mention. This recognition highlights the excellence of biomedical research developed at the institution and will contribute to advancing new discoveries in the field of cancer.
Researcher Guadalupe Cabral, leader of the Translational Tumor Immunology research group, was awarded the LPCC – Support Groups and Regional Delegations of the Southern Regional Branch Grant for her project “Personalizing Immunotherapy for High-Risk Early-Stage Triple Negative Breast Cancer by Targeting Immunosuppressive Neutrophils.” This study aims to understand the role of neutrophils - immune system cells - in triple-negative breast cancer and identify biomarkers that can help predict which patients will benefit most from immunotherapy.
Bárbara Mendes, from the Cancer Nanomedicine group led by João Conde, was awarded the LPCC Southern Regional Branch Grant, sponsored by Visteon, for her project “BrEast CAncer MicroEnvironment-Mimetic Platform for Evaluating Personalized Anticancer Agents.” With this funding, the researcher will study the dynamic microenvironment of breast cancer, considering both cellular and non-cellular components. The project involves developing a platform based on biomaterials with mechanical properties adaptable to each cancer subtype.
Additionally, Cristina Escrevente, a researcher in the Membrane Trafficking in Disease group led by Duarte Barral, received an honorable mention for the scientific merit of her project “Targeting Lysosome and Melanosome Exocytosis to Impair Cutaneous Melanoma Cell Invasion.” This study aims to explore the mechanisms that regulate cell invasion and metastasis formation in cutaneous melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer.
The award ceremony took place on World Cancer Day, February 4, during the 10th Oncology Research Conference, held at the António de Magalhães Cardoso Auditorium at VdA headquarters.
Recognizing the importance of scientific research in the fight against cancer and the need for financial support for researchers, the Portuguese League Against Cancer – Southern Regional Branch (LPCC-NRS) announced the allocation of five research grants for 2025. NOVA Medical School secured two of these grants, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and progress in oncology research.