INL Researcher Recognised by the Portuguese Cancer League for Groundbreaking Research

Alexandra Teixeira, a researcher at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), has been awarded the prestigious Liga Inovação 2024 Prize, a distinction promoted by the North Branch of the Portuguese Cancer League (Núcleo Regional do Norte da Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro). The award, valued at 7,500 euros, was presented during the 6th National Meeting of Young Researchers (6º Encontro Nacional de Jovens Investigadores – ENJIO) in Porto, where her innovative cancer research project was recognized among 80 competing proposals.

Teixeira’s research focuses on the development of advanced technology to better understand the behaviour and metastatic potential of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which play a critical role in cancer progression. Her work is particularly focused on breast cancer, a condition that affects millions worldwide and is projected to increase in prevalence. By studying CTCs, the project aims to uncover new insights into how cancer spreads, paving the way for more targeted and personalized treatment strategies.

The Liga Inovação Prize aims to promote research with the potential to contribute significantly to oncology, particularly in developing personalized medicine approaches for cancer patients. Teixeira’s project aligns with this mission by addressing metastasis, which is responsible for up to 90% of cancer-related deaths. The research explores the heterogeneity of CTCs, seeking to identify which specific cell phenotypes are most closely linked to the metastatic process.

The innovative approach integrates cutting-edge technologies such as microfluidics and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to isolate, grow, and analyze single CTCs. This allows for a multi-omics investigation of the cells, combining genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics data to build a comprehensive picture of CTC behavior. The project is expected to deliver a new method for producing and analyzing spheroids, or three-dimensional cell cultures, from individual CTCs. These spheroids will enable real-time monitoring of cell growth and metabolism, providing unprecedented detail on the mechanisms that drive metastasis.

This project offers new tools for understanding cancer metastasis at the single-cell level, which could ultimately help clinicians identify more aggressive cancer cells and intervene earlier in the metastatic process. (Alexandra Teixeira)

Breast cancer is among the most common forms of cancer worldwide, with 2.26 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone. As projections indicate a continued rise in incidence, research like Teixeira’s is essential for advancing the field of oncology. By offering new insights into the mechanisms of metastasis, this work holds great promise for improving the prognosis for cancer patients and moving towards more effective, individualized treatments.

Teixeira’s project, supported by fellow researchers Margarida Esteves (MSc), Miguel Xavier (PhD), and Sara Abalde-Cela (PhD), also seeks to validate these technologies through clinical samples, bringing the research closer to practical applications in oncology.

The Liga Inovação Prize, funded by Bioportugal – Químico Farmacêutica, recognizes innovative projects that demonstrate a clear potential to make a positive impact on cancer research and treatment. Teixeira’s recognition highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling some of the most pressing challenges in cancer research today.

With her research, Teixeira continues to strengthen INL’s role as a leading institution in the advancement of nanotechnology solutions for health, particularly in the fight against cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October has been designated as the Pink Month in a global effort to raise awareness about breast cancer. This month focuses on educating the public regarding the disease, including its early identification and associated signs and symptoms. In conjunction with celebrating Alexandra Teixeira’s achievements, INL underscores the significance of awareness, early detection, and the ongoing commitment to combat breast cancer.