The 2026 Josep Carreras Institute Symposium explores the latest immunology advances in haematological malignancies, transforming treatment landscapes with CAR-T therapies and checkpoints. Major challenges remain in understanding tumour-immune system interactions and therapeutic resistance.
The Josep Carreras Institute has joined BLOODPAC to advance liquid biopsy research and clinical implementation. As a member, the Institute will collaborate with leading partners to develop standards, validation protocols, and access the BLOODPAC Portal for knowledge sharing.
A study led by the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute identified inherited genetic variants as a key factor in therapy-related myeloid neoplasms, a type of blood cancer. Patients with inherited cancer-predisposition variants had poorer outcomes and were more likely to develop extensive chromosome abnormalities.
Researchers identified a new biological vulnerability in KMT2A-rearranged B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, which could lead to more effective treatments. Blocking the interaction between two proteins slowed leukaemia progression and enhanced conventional treatment efficacy.
Dr. Josep Maria Ribera receives the EHA Clinical Excellence Award for his distinguished career in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia treatment and patient care improvements. He is also recognized for his academic mentorship, training numerous haematologists who now lead positions in the field.
A study finds that a specific subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma is dramatically more lethal in women due to genetic differences, and identifies IRAK inhibitors as a potential treatment. The research challenges decades of assumptions about blood cancer and highlights the importance of considering biological sex in cancer trials.
Researchers developed a novel disease classification system and AI-assisted decision support tool to improve CMML care. The International CMML Prognostic Scoring System (iCPSS) demonstrates superior prognostic discrimination, stratifying patients into five risk groups with different survival outcomes.
Researchers discovered that HDAC7 plays a dual role in immune system development and cancer progression. Restoring HDAC7 in cancer cells can slow or stop tumor growth, offering new hope for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers developed an interpretable machine learning algorithm, scOMM, to classify cell types consistently across different single-cell methods. The integration strategies and scOMM establish a robust approach for cell atlas generation in complex tissues, leading to the discovery of previously undetected rare cell types.
The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute is joining forces with the Chinese Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital to advance blood cancer research. The partnership aims to develop joint translational research programmes and accelerate the development of curative therapies for patients with blood cancers.
The ACHILLES project trains researchers in experimental haematological oncology, developing advanced models, analysis tools, and therapeutic targets for leukaemia and lymphoma. The project aims to bridge basic and preclinical research with clinical practice, improving survival rates and accessibility to innovative treatments.
The SECURED project aims to provide a secure environment for decentralized, cooperative processing of health data and anonymisation assessment. The consortium is developing AI models to diagnose and treat patients with blood malignancies in a secure way, ensuring patient data protection and compliance with European privacy regulations.
Follicular lymphoma is a complex cancer with an unpredictable clinical course, prompting the need for innovative diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. An international alliance, ERADICATE, aims to address this challenge through AI-powered analysis, genomics, and immunology research.
Researchers have identified a new histone variant, macroH2A1.1, as a potential therapeutic target for treating Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. The study found that targeting this variant is safe for patients and may lead to new treatment options.
The Josep Carreras Institute is pioneering Spatial Transcriptomics to understand tumor structure at the cellular level. The institute's guidance on this methodology offers practical solutions for improving reproducibility and clinical application.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Manel Esteller has published a study on the longest-lived person ever recorded, Maria Branyas, who reached 117 years. The analysis reveals a fascinating duality: simultaneous presence of signals of extreme aging and healthy longevity. Despite signs of aging, Branyas had genetic characteristics associate...
The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute is launching a joint research programme on childhood leukaemia, aiming to develop common strategies and improve treatments for the disease. Paediatric leukaemia remains a significant challenge due to its low incidence and high mortality rate.
Researchers successfully modulate the activity of key immune system genes using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, revealing a new approach to treating inflammatory diseases. The study demonstrates precise control over gene expression and its impact on tumour growth and inflammation.
A new dual CAR-T cell therapy has been developed to target T-ALL, showing high efficacy and safety. The treatment targets two antigens simultaneously, making it more effective than previous therapies. Experimental results demonstrate its ability to control the disease in both laboratory and animal models, with an excellent safety profile.
The drug QTX153 has shown significant promise in preclinical models of Rett syndrome, reversing symptoms such as motor control and neuronal function. The compound efficiently crosses the blood-brain barrier, demonstrating safety even at high doses.
Researchers developed a dual action immunotherapy using CAR-T cells targeting CD19 and CD22 proteins in B-ALL cancer cells, increasing the efficacy of treatment and reducing relapse rates.
Dr Manel Esteller received the Jaume Aiguader i Miró Award for his book 'The Secret of Eternal Life', which explains biological mechanisms of ageing and longevity. His research focuses on epigenetic changes linked to premature ageing and extreme longevity.
A team of scientists has identified seven genes that can transform embryonic stem cells into blood precursor cells, paving the way for a new era in regenerative medicine. The research, published in the journal Blood, uses an unbiased genome-wide screen to uncover the genes involved in hematopoietic stem cell fate.
Researchers identified two distinct epigenetic profiles in Burkitt Lymphoma, one associated with a favorable clinical course and the other with early relapse and shorter survival. This discovery has implications for treatment strategies and may lead to personalized medicine approaches.
A Phase I clinical trial reveals that HSP-CAR30 CAR-T cell therapy promotes the expansion of memory T cells, leading to long-lasting responses and improved clinical outcomes in treated patients. The treatment exhibits a favorable safety profile, with no dose-limiting toxicities detected.
Dr Ari Melnick brings extensive experience to the institute, with a focus on precision medicine and haematological diseases. He aims to accelerate innovative treatments and enhance patient outcomes through strong partnerships with leading hospitals and research centres.
A recent study found that germline variants can significantly impact protein behavior in cancer cells, driving tumor development and progression. Researchers identified 119 rare and common variants in key cancer genes that alter protein structure and abundance.
Researchers have discovered that common anticancer drugs can reduce vascular growth in patients with PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome, offering new hope for treatment. These findings were made possible by the development of a mouse model and clinical trials using rapamycin and capivasertib inhibitors.
Researchers have developed a new approach to improve CAR-T cell therapy effectiveness in treating B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. By creating a TIM-3 decoy, they aim to prevent the tumor from turning off the CAR-T cells, leading to improved anti-leukaemia effectiveness and long-term persistence.
Mutations in MeCP2 gene lead to depletion of NEAT1, a long non-coding RNA controlling autophagy. Restoring NEAT1 reverses cellular alterations in Rett syndrome models.
The study analyzed 63 tumor samples from 10 common malignancies, revealing how malignant cells specialize in growing tumors and non-cancer cells contribute to the immune system's suppression. The findings suggest a hierarchical structure of tumors with specific hallmark expression patterns.
The study provides insights into the roles of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases, revealing nine transcriptionally distinct subpopulations. The GPNMB-high Lipo.DAM signature is associated with Alzheimer's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis, and may hold relevance for immune-based therapies.
A comprehensive epigenetic database of over 200 malignant cell lines has been developed, offering valuable insights into leukemia and lymphoma. The database allows researchers to predict drug sensitivity based on epigenetic lesions, aiding in tumour diagnosis and treatment.
BEMOSAIC and MakingBlood projects aim to revolutionize vascular function and blood stem cell production, respectively. The ERC Synergy Grants will support the development of novel therapies for vascular-related pathologies and blood cancer patients.
A new study found that CAR-T cell therapy success is predicted by three key features: the CD4/CD8 ratio in infusion products, the presence of T-cell exhaustion signals before infusion, and the expansion of T-cells during therapy. These factors can help improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers discover a molecular mechanism controlling PAX5, key regulator of B-cell maturation. Increasing SIRT7 activity may boost PAX5 levels in leukemic cells, inducing cell death.
Scientists create a model of the human immune system in mice by transplanting cord blood cells, achieving balanced and functional immune cell populations. The new method shows lower rates of graft-versus-host disease and improved survival rates against transplanted cancer cells.
Researchers identified a subgroup of multiple myeloma patients with an epigenetic alteration in the PVR gene, which results in improved immune response to immunotherapy. This new test can help clinicians predict patient outcomes and tailor treatment strategies.
Researchers developed a new combined therapy for multiple sclerosis, combining tolerogenic dendritic cells with Dimethyl Fumarate to restore immune balance. The treatment showed promise in preclinical studies, reducing symptoms in mice and potentially offering hope for patients worldwide.
Researchers have identified six epigenetic hallmarks that characterize transformed cells, including DNA methylation, viral reactivation, and histone protein modifications. These properties enable cancer cells to evolve and resist therapy, making them a key target for improving diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study by Dr. Esteban Ballestar's group identifies an immune cell population that is more effective in responding against cancer cells under hypoxia. Macrophages undergo changes that enhance their ability to trigger an immune response, leading to better patient outcomes in bladder and ovarian cancers.
A recent study identified three key DNA repair mechanisms that protect the genome from formaldehyde-induced damage during development, adulthood, and ageing. The researchers found that N-acetyl-L-cysteine can reverse most of the toxicity in animal models and human cells with altered DNA repair systems.
Infant leukemia with MLL gene rearrangements is resistant to glucocorticoids due to the production of NG2 protein. This leads to FLT3 activation and inactivation of the glucocorticoid receptor, rendering cells insensitive to treatment. The study provides new targets for drug development and immunotherapy.
The study provides a detailed analysis of high-grade glioma molecular characteristics, revealing shifts in gene expression and tumour microenvironment. Longitudinal samples revealed unique opportunities to observe tumour evolution, shedding light on genetic and epigenetic events associated with recurrent disease.
Dr Biola M Javierre has been awarded a prestigious grant to study the role of mutations in noncoding regions of the genome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Her research aims to identify genes affected by these mutations and their potential therapeutic targets.
A new study reveals that a type of childhood leukemia has its roots in fetal development, with chromosomal alterations detected in umbilical cord blood. The findings have important implications for understanding the disease and developing new therapies.
Scientists discovered that p53 rapidly restructures 3D chromatin organization to trigger a transcriptional response, identifying 340 target genes and strengthening the role of cohesin complex in this process. This new mechanism may inspire new therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
A study by Dr Manel Esteller and colleagues identified an epigenetic signature associated with a good clinical response to hypomethylating drugs, enabling early detection of resistant patients. The research found single genes that facilitate the development of biomarkers and rescue strategies for non-responder patients.
Researchers discovered a link between single cancer cell mutations and clinical response to epigenetic therapy in myelodysplastic syndrome. Patients showing treatment benefits had decreased mutation counts in stem cells and immature granulocytes, suggesting early tumor elimination is key to therapy success.
Researchers at the Josep Carreras Institute have discovered a crucial protein, PI3K-C2b, that regulates mTORC1 signaling and angiogenic growth in blood vessels. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments for congenital vascular disorders.