Dr. Sergio Roa, researcher of the Hemato-oncology Program of the Cima University of Navarra, has received a award in the 7th edition of the Gilead Grants for Biomedical research . This is one of the 18 projects selected in this scientific call dedicated to promoting new research projects that will benefit patients and society.

Dr. Roa's project , which will be developed over two years, aims to search for new pathogenic mechanisms and alternative therapeutic strategies for the most aggressive lymphomas. "Our work focuses on confirming the role of a messenger molecule, interleukin-10 (IL-10), in the progression of this hematological tumor. Specifically, our hypothesis is that the aberrant production of IL-10 confuses the immune system and financial aid to camouflage tumor cells, which facilitates the spread of lymphoma. Therefore, if we manage to block this molecule, we could make this tumor subject more visible and help to target more effective therapies," says Dr. Roa.

Three scientific areas

The project , which will be developed at Cima , has a budget of 50,000 euros. Another 17 projects of research from 7 autonomous communities in the areas of HIV, liver diseases and hemato-oncology were also recognized.

These grants have helped fund, since their creation in 2013, a total of 124 initiatives, out of more than 450 submitted, and have become a consolidated benchmark for biomedical research and development in our country.