The Translational Oncology Laboratory at the Comprehensive Cancer Center focuses its research activity on the development of innovative cancer therapies, with particular emphasis on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which is one of the most aggressive and poorly prognosed tumors, and metastatic colorectal cancer, which is the third most common malignancy worldwide. The main research line is centered on the identification of biomarkers, the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, and the design of innovative treatments based on the use of exosomes. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles involved in intercellular communication and play a fundamental role in tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The laboratory explores their potential as selective drug delivery vehicles targeting tumor cells, aiming to improve the efficacy and specificity of current therapies.

Additionally, the laboratory leads several projects that expand the therapeutic approach through different molecular pathways. One of these projects focuses on the role of vitamin C as an antitumor agent, investigating its pro-oxidant effect at high concentrations and its ability to induce selective tumor cell death, both in pancreatic and colorectal cancers.

Another key line of research is directed at the inhibition of the AURKA/YAP1 signaling pathway, which is frequently deregulated in gastrointestinal tumors. Overexpression of AURKA (Aurora kinase A) and aberrant activation of YAP1 (Yes-Associated Protein 1) have been associated with increased proliferation, invasion, and therapeutic resistance in various cancer types. In this context, the laboratory evaluates the efficacy of specific inhibitors of this pathway in colon cancer models, analyzing their effects on tumor progression, cellular plasticity, and the tumor microenvironment.

Another factor under investigation is Galectin-1, due to its relevance in colorectal cancer, particularly in relation to tumor proliferation, immune evasion, and metastasis. This protein modulates the interaction between tumor cells and their microenvironment, thereby promoting cancer progression. Moreover, its expression is associated with poor prognosis and therapeutic resistance. Identifying galectins as biomarkers may improve diagnosis and clinical monitoring. Furthermore, galectins represent promising therapeutic targets for the development of more effective and tailored treatments.

Overall, the laboratory embraces an integrative and multidisciplinary approach, combining tools from molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and preclinical animal models to translate basic scientific findings into routine clinical practice.