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News UCIBIO Cancer

World Cancer Day is an international day observed every 4th of February  to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, and mobilise action to address the global cancer epidemic. The day is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and was established in the year 2000.   

In Portugal, cancer is the second leading cause of mortality and one of the primary cause of potential years of life lost. 

 

At UCIBIO, fighting cancer is a key priority, embedded in its mission to advance scientific knowledge and healthcare solutions. Through cutting-edge research, multidisciplinary collaboration, and innovation, UCIBIO is dedicated to improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By investigating cancer mechanisms, developing novel therapeutic strategies, and enhancing patient care, UCIBIO actively contributes to addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. 

 

The Glycoimmunology Research Lab, led by Paula Videira, identifies glycan-based cancer biomarkers and develops antibodies that selectively target cancer cells and have already demonstrated the ability to reduce tumor burden in preclinical models. Paula Videira shares an opinion piece in Observador, highlighting the scientific advances that are transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment:

"Os casos de cancro continuam a crescer, mas as terapias também", Observador, 2025-02-04

 

Paula Videira - Observador

 

The Bioengineering of Therapeutic Proteins Research Lab, led by Luís Passarinha, is developing a simple and fast detection method for HPV infection, the primary cause of cervical cancer.  

 

 

The GLYCOTwinning project, led by Filipa Marcelo, Angelina Palma e Paula Videira aims for better research in Glycoscience at UCIBIO-NOVA FCT which will help bring new avenues in the study of cancer and develop new therapeutic methods to fight colorectal cancer. 

 

 

The Nanomedicine Lab led by Pedro Viana Baptista is involved in the development of nanoparticles in diagnostics and therapeutics of diseases. One of the treatments that is being explored in the lab is to use gold nanoparticles as an adjuvant of chemotherapy treatments against cancer. 

 

 

The Human Genetics and Cancer Therapeutics Lab coordinated by Alexandra Fernandes is focused on the development of innovative therapeutics against several cancer types, using advanced cancer models such as organoids and spheroids.