The main objectives of the Invited Chair of Innovation in Oncology at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP) are promoting research in Oncology and developing new therapies to fight cancer. The new Chair of FMUP is funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and by Janssen Portugal, in a total amount of more than 330 thousand euros.
“Cancer is not a simple disease. Developing new therapeutic strategies to fight cancer is crucial, with multiple mechanisms that contribute to tumor growth and exploring new treatments in Oncology,” explains Nuno Vale, holder of FMUP Chair and researcher at CINTESIS – Center for Health Technology and Services Research.
According to the professor and researcher, “this is the only Chair in the country with this type of framework or purpose, and it is also the only one in Europe”.
In three years, the objective is to advance with “new cancer biomarkers studies of molecular origin and new forms of drug delivery, involving peptides and nanoparticles with cellular penetration capacity”.
The Chair’s group of researchers will also focus on the synergic combination of drugs, on drug reuse, and on “in silico” modeling studies, collaborating with reference hospital institutions in Oncology, which are located in the North of the country, such as the IPO-Porto and the University Hospital Center of São João.
Investing in Oncology Precision Medicine, through clinical efficacy trials, DNA and genomic sequencing analysis is another major challenge, which can contribute to better select patients for treatment and a better understanding of resistance mechanisms.
Besides the strong component of Clinical and Translational Research, the Chair is also directed towards the Teaching and Continuous Training of researchers, and medicine and other health areas students. In this way, its objective is to broaden and consolidate the specialization of professionals in this area of knowledge.
“Exchanging knowledge with universities is essential to foster innovation and develop new answers for areas such as cancer. We are convinced that this partnership will actively contribute to finding new solutions in the fight against oncological diseases”, says Manuel Salavessa, Medical Director at Janssen.
The Oncology Chair is of particular importance for Janssen and FMUP, as it will allow to develop collaborative studies in oncology, and to discuss and share scientific knowledge, through continuing medical education in this area. The chair is developed in an unprecedented partnership, aiming to bring the academic and basic research closer to the business and applied research, fostering a practice with results in different parts of the world.
Researchers are currently seeking to establish international partnerships and networks, and promote the creation of new projects of excellence, preferably in national and international consortia.
The Chair is also supported by CINTESIS, the Associated Laboratory RISE, the Agency for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation (AICIB) and Oslo Cancer.