La Marató de 3Cat funds three IGTP projects to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment

The Institute coordinates one of the selected projects and is involved in two others, focusing on the identification of biomarkers, treatment resistance and anti-tumour immune responses. Together, the three initiatives have received nearly €1.1 million in funding.

The Fundació La Marató de 3Cat has announced the 38 research projects funded as part of its 2025 edition, dedicated to cancer. The initiatives, involving 91 research teams, were selected from 201 proposals submitted. The international evaluation process was coordinated by the Agency for Health Quality and Assessment of Catalonia (AQuAS), with the participation of 169 cancer experts. The funding call will allocate €12.4 million to these projects, thanks to the €14.4 million raised during the latest edition of the program.

The Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) is involved in three of the projects selected in this funding call, one of which is coordinated by the Institute. The research addresses different aspects of cancer, from the identification of biomarkers and new therapeutic strategies to the study of mechanisms involved in anti-tumour immune responses. Together, the three initiatives have received more than €1 million in funding.

IGTP projects funded by La Marató 2025

New genes, tools and biomarkers for the precision treatment and management of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours

The project focuses on malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs), a rare and aggressive type of sarcoma that can occur sporadically or in people with neurofibromatosis type 1. These tumours are difficult to diagnose, and current treatments have limited effectiveness.

The aim is to identify new genes and biomarkers to facilitate diagnosis and develop personalised treatments based on the genetic alterations found in these tumours. The project will also explore the use of circulating tumour DNA in blood to improve patient monitoring through less invasive methods.

• Coordinated by IGTP, in collaboration with the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO).
• Principal investigator: Eduard Serra, leader of the Hereditary Cancer Research Group at IGTP.
• Total funding awarded: €399,988

Epigenetic reprogramming of stromal TGF-β signalling as a driver of tumour plasticity in rectal cancer: identification of biomarkers and novel therapeutic strategies

The initiative will investigate the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), cells that surround tumours and can contribute to resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This resistance is one of the main challenges in treating rectal cancer, as patients' responses vary considerably and treatments can have significant side effects.

The research team aims to identify biomarkers associated with these cells that could help predict treatment response and the risk of recurrence. It will also explore new therapeutic strategies targeting resistance mechanisms, with the aim of advancing more personalised treatments and preserving patients' quality of life.

• Coordinated by the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, in collaboration with the Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL) and IGTP.
• Project principal investigator: Jenniffer Linares (Hospital del Mar Research Institute).
• Principal investigator at IGTP: Núria Mulet, medical oncologist at the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and researcher in the Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology (B·ARGO).
• Total funding awarded: €400,000

Study of the immunoregulatory functions of CD5L+ macrophages in cancer: implications for enhancing anti-tumour immunity

This study will examine the role of tumour-associated macrophages, immune cells that can promote cancer growth and hinder responses to immunotherapy. In particular, it will focus on macrophages expressing the CD5L molecule, which has been identified as a potential key factor in the ability of tumours to evade the immune system.

The research will investigate these cells in different types of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer and osteosarcoma, and assess whether blocking CD5L, alone or in combination with existing immunotherapies, can slow tumour growth and reduce metastasis. The aim is to explore new strategies to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

• Coordinated by the University of Barcelona, in collaboration with IGTP.
• Project principal investigator: Annabel Valledor (University of Barcelona, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology).
• Principal investigator at IGTP: Maria Rosa Sarrias, leader of the Innate Immunity Research Group.
• Total funding awarded: €299,013

Research: key to advancing the fight against cancer

Cancer research is essential to better understand the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of the disease, improve diagnosis and advance towards more effective and personalised treatments. In this context, support from La Marató de 3Cat helps drive projects addressing different challenges in oncology, from identifying new therapeutic targets to improving responses to treatment, with the ultimate aim of improving patient survival and quality of life.

The 91 selected teams will carry out their projects over the next three years, aiming to advance cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Over its 34-year history, La Marató de 3Cat has established itself as one of Catalonia's leading initiatives supporting research, raising €272 million and funding 1,122 research projects. In addition to contributing to scientific advances, the initiative plays an important role in raising public awareness and promoting understanding of diseases.