Gynecologic and Peritoneal Oncology

The Gynecologic and Peritoneal Oncology research group (GOGYP), coordinated by Dr. Maria Virtudes Céspedes, is an emerging group led by an established scientist from the Miguel Servet Programme. GOGYP is a clinic-translational research team that belongs to the onco-hematological diseases research area at the Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR-HSCSP). They are actively engaged in advancing surgical techniques, developing diagnostic tools, and creating innovative therapies based on nanotechnology. Their research encompasses patient and sample screening, as well as in vitro and in vivo modeling and experimentation. The team also possesses strong expertise in the preclinical development of drugs and clinical assays. The results of their multidisciplinary efforts contribute to three transversal research programs in IR-HSCSP: Advanced Therapies, Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarkers, and Women's Health and Care.

Main research lines

• Identify new prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets for risk and therapeutic stratification in endometrial cancer patients. (Cespedes Navarro, Maria Virtudes).
• Study the effect of the nervous system on tumor progression and metastasis in gynecological and peritoneal cancers. (Cespedes Navarro, Maria Virtudes).
• Effect of estrogens and progesterone on autonomic innervation and its clinical relevance in endometrial cancer (Muñoz Sánchez, Raquel).
• Evaluation and preclinical development of new antitumor compounds, using nanotechnology, aimed at the treatment of metastases in high-grade gynecological càncers. (Cespedes Navarro, Maria Virtudes).
• Clinical trials exploring new therapeutic strategies and drug combinations for gynecological cancers, particularly ovarian cancer (Martin Lorente, Cristina).

Scientific Challenges

• Promote clinical and translational research into gynecological cancers with a considerable database and study relevant clinical issues.
• Develop molecular markers for therapeutic decision-making in endometrial cancer patients.
• Identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets related to neuromodulation in tumor progression of gynecological cancers.
• Achieve antitumor and antimetastatic therapies targeting tumor microenvironment vulnerabilities in gynecological and peritoneal cancers.
• Obtain funding from FIS, regional authorities, and private companies.
• Enhance cooperation with other clinical and research groups both in Sant Pau and extra-hospital, and attract predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows.

Contact

Maria Virtudes Cespedes
mcespedes@santpau.cat