The Iker Association has donated 10.000 euros to the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) to continue research into myxoid liposarcoma, a rare type of sarcoma.
This contribution, made for the fifth consecutive year, will be allocated to VHIO’s Sarcoma Translational Research Group, led by Dr César Serrano.
The association aims to promote research into this type of tumour by funding scientific projects. In addition, it offers support to patients and families affected by this disease.
To make this possible, throughout 2025 and 2026, the organisation has promoted various fundraising and awareness-raising activities, including charity concerts, a charity water polo tournament in Ciudad Real, craft markets, the sale of Christmas lottery tickets, and its participation in the Association Fair, among others.
In addition, the association has organised educational sessions in schools, talks in libraries in Ciudad Real. In addition, it has organised cultural initiatives such as a charity painting exhibition at the López-Villaseñor Museum. It has also taken part in talks held as part of the “Healing Hearts” exhibition. This is with the aim of continuing to raise awareness of myxoid liposarcoma, informing people about palliative care, and strengthening support for patients and families.
On 19 June, María Susmozas, President of the Iker Association, visited VHIO to present the cheque to Dr César Serrano. During the visit, she learned first-hand about the work being carried out in the laboratory and spoke with the team about the upcoming lines of research into this type of tumour.
“It is very encouraging for us to see all the progress being made in myxoid liposarcoma research and contribute more resources each year. Thank you for your tireless work!”, explains María Susmozas, on behalf of the Iker Association.
MYXOID LIPOSARCOMA RESEARCH: A RARE TUMOUR WITH FEW THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS
Myxoid liposarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that affects fatty tissue and usually appears in the limbs. It is a malignant tumour with a low incidence that affects young adults. The term “myxoid” refers to the gelatinous appearance of tumour tissue.
Currently, treatment for myxoid liposarcoma is usually surgery, which is accompanied by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, one of the main challenges for patients with this disease is the lack of effective therapies, largely due to the low incidence of this tumour.
For this reason, continuing to investigate its biology is key to identifying its vulnerabilities and developing future therapeutic options.
“In the laboratory, we are working to study the different types of sarcomas to obtain more precise information about their biology. This will allow us to move towards more personalised treatments for everyone,” says Dr César Serrano, Head of VHIO’s Sarcoma Translational Research Group.
Sarcomas are a group of rare tumours comprising more than 70 different entities of mesenchymal origin. They represent between 1 and 2% of all cancers.
There are Sarcoma subtypes that have significant differences in their molecular composition, disease progression, and therapeutic approach.
A SUSTAINED COLLABORATION TO ADVANCE NEW THERAPIES
With the support of the Iker Association, in 2022 VHIO’s Sarcoma Translational Research Group succeeded in obtaining all the myxoid liposarcoma cell models available worldwide. This was to better study its biology and identifying potential therapeutic strategies.
This new donation of 10,000 euros will enable a deeper understanding of the biology of this neoplasm, always from a therapeutic perspective. In this regard, Dr Serrano’s group studies suggest that DNA repair regulation is critical in this disease. This could constitute a therapeutic vulnerability.
VHIO thanks the Iker Association and all those who have participated in its fundraising activities. We appreciate their continued commitment to myxoid liposarcoma research and to improving the lives of patients and their families.
