Launch of the LOLA Project for non-invasive detection of lung and colon cancer

El LOLA Project (Liquid Biopsy, Lung and Colon Cancer in Andalusia) begins its mission to transform the diagnosis and treatment of lung and colon cancer in the Andalusian Public Health System by integrating liquid biopsies and advanced next-generation sequencing technologies.

The scientific coordination of the project is in charge of Dr. María José Serrano, researcher at the Granada Biosanitary Research Institute (ibs.GRANADA) and the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada, together with Dr. Valeria Denninghoff from the GENyO Center. The clinical team includes Drs. Encarnación González and Javier López Hidalgo, from the Virgen de las Nieves and Clínico San Cecilio university hospitals in Granada, and Drs. Enrique De Álava and Reyes Bernabé, from the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville.

This project marks an important milestone in the implementation of liquid biopsy as a non-invasive tool for the identification of genetic mutations. Thanks to this technique, it is possible to quickly and accurately detect key genomic alterations in patients with metastatic cancer, which represents an efficient alternative to traditional biopsies.

Innovation in cancer detection and treatment

Liquid biopsy allows the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood samples, facilitating the identification of mutations that help personalize treatments, improving the precision of targeted therapies and allowing early detection of treatment resistance.

Dr. María José Serrano, co-investigator in charge of the Clinical Oncology and Liquid Biopsy group at ibs.GRANADA and scientific coordinator of the project, stressed: “This advance will allow us to obtain genetic profiles of tumors in a less invasive way, something crucial in patients with advanced cancer, where traditional biopsies are often unfeasible.Serrano also stresses that the incorporation of this technology into the Andalusian Public Health System represents a major advance in precision medicine, optimising available resources and improving outcomes for patients.

Scope of the LOLA Project

The project will be carried out in 12 Andalusian hospitals, with the participation of leading experts in oncology, pathology and bioinformatics. Patients with metastatic lung and colon cancer will be selected for this study, in order to apply liquid biopsy in their clinical follow-up and treatment.

A benefit for the health system and patients

The implementation of liquid biopsy in cancer treatment will not only improve the quality of life of patients by reducing the risks associated with conventional biopsies, but will also reduce waiting times for genetic results, optimizing clinical decision-making.

The LOLA Project will also create a database of genetic variants found in the Andalusian population, allowing for more precise control of treatments and optimized management of healthcare system resources.

Financing and collaboration

This project is funded by the company TEMPUS and in collaboration with the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) and is managed by the Foundation for Biosanitary Research of Eastern Andalusia (FIBAO), as it is the managing entity of the Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA. In addition, high-level institutions and research centres, both national and international, are participating.

El LOLA Project It places Andalusia at the forefront of cancer research and treatment, bringing scientific innovation to patients and significantly improving therapeutic strategies to improve their outcomes and quality of life.

About the research group

The Clinical Oncology and Liquid Biopsy research group at ibs.GRANADA, co-led by Dr. María José Serrano, brings together experts from multiple specialties, such as oncology, digestive medicine and pulmonology. Its main focus is the analysis of liquid biopsies for the study of circulating tumor cells, nucleic acids and extracellular vesicles in different contexts of tumor and pre-tumor diseases. The group participates in international networks such as TranscolonCAN and ClinicMarks and is funded by public and private funds, both national and European, including Horizon 2020 projects and several collaborations with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Its translational approach has facilitated the opening of clinical trials and the implementation of liquid biopsy technologies in Andalusian hospitals.

More information about the group at https://www.ibsgranada.es/grupos-de-investigacion/a06-oncologia-clinica-biopsia-liquida/