The Association of Women Affected by Breast Cancer of Sant Joan Despí (DACMA) took another significant step yesterday in supporting breast cancer research at the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO). In an emotional event held at the Miquel Martí y Pol Auditorium in Sant Joan Despí, a check valued at 12,000 euros was presented to fund the research led by Drs. Catalina Falo and Sonia Pernas.

During the celebration, Dr. Falo, principal investigator of the IDIBELL breast cancer research group and medical oncologist at the ICO, shared with the DACMA members a detailed overview of the current state of breast cancer research. In an informative tone, she presented the specific project that will receive support from the Association, emphasizing its importance in improving the lives of women who face this disease.

The most emotional moment of the afternoon was when Maria Perez, president of DACMA, and Libia Guillamon, member of the association and breast cancer patient, handed over the solidarity check. Also present at the event were Belén Garcia, the mayor of the Sant Joan Despí City Council, as well as part of Dr. Pernas’ research team at IDIBELL, ICO and Bellvitge University Hospital.

This year’s project will study the possibility of performing liquid biopsies in advanced breast cancer in order to make earlier and more effective diagnoses, as well as develop more personalized and effective treatment strategies for affected women.

The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) is a biomedical research center created in 2004. It is participated by the Bellvitge University Hospital and the Viladecans Hospital of the Catalan Institute of Health, the Catalan Institute of Oncology, the University of Barcelona and the City Council of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.

IDIBELL is a member of the Campus of International Excellence of the University of Barcelona HUBc and is part of the CERCA institution of the Generalitat de Catalunya. In 2009 it became one of the first five Spanish research centers accredited as a health research institute by the Carlos III Health Institute. In addition, it is part of the “HR Excellence in Research” program of the European Union and is a member of EATRIS and REGIC. Since 2018, IDIBELL has been an Accredited Center of the AECC Scientific Foundation (FCAECC).