The group for research into
Human Melanoma from the UPV/EHU

The group for research into Human Melanoma from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) has identified new tumour markers and is studying new molecules and drugs for therapeutic use against this type of cancer. The progressive increase in the number of cases of skin cancer over the last few years and its resistance to anti-tumour drugs is proving a serious challenge in research into this cancer.

Identification of prognostic markers for susceptibility to melanoma and the development of new drugs against cancerous cells are the two main lines of research of the Human Melanoma group in the UPV/EHU. This group includes basic research scientists belonging to the Department of Cellular Biology and Histology, from the team of María Dolores Boyano and Aintzane Asumendi, and clinical specialists such as Dr. José Luís Díaz Pérez and Dr. Careaga, from the Dermatology Sections of Cruces Hospital and Basurto Hospital respectively.

If it is diagnosed early, the development of a melanoma cancer generally has a good prognosis. However, sometimes the tumour behaves very aggressively, giving rise to a metastasis that causes the death of the patient, which is why it is so important to obtain an early diagnosis of the melanoma.

The team from the UPV/EHU is focussing on research into prognostic markers and the identification of the proteins directly related to the process of the tumour. A comparison of proteins in patients with melanoma and healthy subjects has enabled the team to identify a new prognostic factor in the malignant progression; the soluble receptor of interleukin-2.

The group uses mass analysis techniques both at genome and proteomic level, and studies multiple genes and proteins, as a whole set of markers could predict malignancy. These markers, potential indicators of the malignant progression of the tumour, could serve in the future to regulate the therapy offered to patients.

The UPV/EHU Human Melanoma Group is also looking for genes showing susceptibility to melanomas. Before a person is diagnosed with the cancer, knowledge of the genes that influence each person’s susceptibility towards having skin cancer can mean that personalised measures can be adopted to prevent it, and if necessary, medical follow-up can be given for the melanoma. In this area, the UPV/EHU group has the collaboration of Dr. Santos Alonso, from the Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology at the university’s Faculty of Science and Technology.

Moreover, this research group is studying new molecules and drugs for therapeutic use, and is looking deeper into the identification of sensitivity and resistance markers. Acquired resistance is one of the main problems with chemotherapy, which is why the researchers hope to find new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of this cancer.