Lymphomas

"We develop molecules and therapeutic strategies especially in leukemias and B-lymphomas that do not have satisfactory treatments."

DR. JOSÉ ÁNGEL MARTÍNEZ CLIMENT
SENIOR RESEARCHER. LYMPHOMAS RESEARCH GROUP

The research of the Lymphomas Group at Cima, integrated in the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra, focuses on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM).

We approach these hematological malignancies with a multidisciplinary approach thanks to the close collaboration between basic and clinical researchers at Cima and the Clínica Universidad de Navarra.

Lymphoproliferative syndromes (LPS) are a group of hematological malignancies characterized by the proliferation of neoplastic mature lymphocytes. Among SL, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHLs) account for 40% of all hematologic malignancies and comprise a diverse group of more than 20 unique subtypes that are routinely classified according to clinical, histopathologic, and genetic features.

Biological heterogeneity within each lymphoma subtype is hindering the successful demonstration of novel targeted therapies in clinical trials and, therefore, advances in such therapeutic strategies will require a better understanding of the fundamental biology of each lymphoma entity in order to define optimal drug combinations for specific patient groups. In addition, interactions between lymphoma cells and microenvironmental cells in the lymph node, bone marrow and other lymphoid tissues have also been found to be critical in the pathogenesis of lymphoma and, consequently, such tumor cell-microenvironment dependencies are expected to reveal novel therapeutic interventions.

Dr. José ángel Martínez Climent

GROUP LEADER

	+34 948 194 700 \| Ext. 811029
	jamcliment@unav.es
	Research profile

Oncology research integrated in the
Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra

Learn about the cancer center

Objectives of Lymphomas Research Group

Our priority is to develop new therapies that offer solutions to patients

To determine the cellular and molecular features underlying B-cell lymphoma and plasma cell tumor development in genetic mouse models, defining similarities with human diseases.

To evaluate the in vivo preclinical antitumor efficacy of standard of care treatment of the patient alone and in combination with other immunotherapeutic and targeted agents.

Dissect mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance based on tumor cell and microenvironmental characterization.

NEW THERAPEUTIC COMBINATIONS

Immunotherapy and molecularly targeted drugs

With advances in the preclinical and clinical development of new agents targeting B-NHL, there is a clear need to prioritize combinations of these drugs and immunotherapy strategies.

Our group is working on testing these strategies in genetically engineered immunocompetent mouse models (GEIMMs) that recapitulate the complex heterogeneity of B-NHL with the goal of achieving predictive guidance for patient treatment.

Lines of research

PI: Dr. Martínez-Climent

Objectives:

To elucidate the role of genes commonly altered in B-cell lymphoproliferative syndromes by introducing these genetic alterations in mouse models at different B-cell stages (from immature B cells in bone marrow, to mature cells in germinal centers or lymphoid tissues).
To investigate the role of the tumor microenvironment in these immunocompetent murine models, combining analysis of tumor and non-tumor cells during disease progression.
To integrate the molecular and cellular characterization of tumors in GEMs models through the analysis by advanced molecular techniques of samples obtained from patients with these pathologies.

PI: Dr. Martínez-Climent

Objectives:

Design and test new therapeutic approaches directed against the different alterations produced in genetically modified mice, as well as the study of altered molecular pathways in human and murine tumors.
Maximize the use of immunocompetent mouse models to explore mechanisms of action, therapeutic resistance, and synergistic potential of drugs and immunotherapy for the treatment of lymphoproliferative syndromes.