MSCA-PF: Head and Neck Cancer Research Group

FINBA is a leading institution based in Asturias, Spain, dedicated to advancing biomedical research and health innovation. We bring together scientific excellence, clinical expertise, and a strong translational focus aimed at improving health outcomes.

Our mission is to drive cutting-edge biosanitary research, accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical solutions, and foster innovation that enhances health and well-being at regional, national, and European levels.

It has been created as the management structure of the ISPA, grouped around the Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA), and also as a tool for managing R&D&I for all healthcare centers under the Health Service of the Principality of Asturias (SESPA). Currently, it is composed of nearly 1,000 affiliated researchers, organized  into key areas of growing importance for global health, including Biotechnology and Biomedical Analyses, Immunology, Microbiology, and Infection, Cancer, Metabolism, Cardiology, Respiratory, and Renal Research, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Primary Care, Microbiome Research, Aging Research, and Care Research. Located within the HUCA, the FINBA–ISPA complex provides state-of-the-art facilities for scientific work and fosters collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals.

Introduction to the Research Group 

The Otorhinolaryngology research group is developing a translational project focused on head and neck cancer, with special attention to squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and nasosinus carcinomas (NSC). Through the analysis of clinical biopsies and multiple preclinical models (cell lines, organoids, PDX), the group seeks to identify diagnostic and predictive biomarkers, and move towards personalized medicine. Our objectives include: 1) Identification of biomarkers for early and accurate diagnosis; 2) Development personalized algorithms to estimate cancer risk; 3) Generation of 3D biomodels to test therapies and facilitate precision medicine; and 4) Prediction of the response or resistance to treatment to optimize therapeutic selection for each patient (More information).

Project

The line of research in which the fellow would be incorporated focuses on the study of glycosphingolipid (GSL) metabolism and its impact on the antitumor immune response in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The objective is to understand how alterations in these lipids affect antigen presentation, T-cell activation and immune checkpoint regulation, favoring immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy.
Technologies such as gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9), pharmacological inhibitors, preclinical patient-derived models (organoids) and immunocompetent and immunodeficient murine models are employed. In addition, clinical samples are analyzed to correlate the expression of key enzymes in GSL synthesis and remodeling with clinical parameters and therapeutic response.

Hosting supervisor: Francisco Hermida-Prado