Clinical trials in oncology are essential for developing novel, more effective targeted therapies against cancer as well as improving survival, side effect profiles and the quality of life of our patients. Advances in oncology care and the delivery of more powerful anti-cancer medicines are driven by optimal processes in clinical trials.

Our expert clinical research oncology nurses assume a central role in clinical studies and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop and evaluate patient treatment. They also contribute to clinical trials by identifying patterns in side effects of anticancer agents, collating samples and quality data for clinical trial validation, optimally managing patient symptoms and providing excellent nursing care, focused on the quality of life of patients.

Our team is directed by Laura Bascuñana and is specialized in molecular therapies. We represent an essential element of the multidisciplinary teams involved in the studies carried out and coordinated by VHIO’s Research Unit for Molecular Therapy of Cancer (UITM) – CaixaResearch, and our Clinical Trials Office, led by Elena Garralda and Cristina Pérez, respectively.

Supporting these teams comprised of medical oncologists, molecular pathologists, oncology pharmacists, clinical researchers, and study coordinators, VHIO’s oncology nurses are key to ensuring the delivery of optimal care for our patients who receive the full range of expertise, guidance, and the necessary follow-up throughout the course of their participation in clinical studies. As importantly is the psychological support that they provide, alongside the other superbly trained oncology care givers and specialists, including psychologists.

We also provide patients and their families with the information and professional guidance required to make fully informed decisions concerning their treatment options. Our clinical teams also continue to follow up patients that were recruited prior to 2023 who are still enrolled and receiving treatment.

VHIO continues to expand its portfolio of clinical trials to establish novel treatments with highly selective drugs, as well as fine-tune patient selection criteria to identify those patients who are most likely to benefit from them. We can expect a steady increase in patient recruitment across our clinical studies in the future.