Consolidating leadership in translational immunotherapy and advanced cell therapies
The third VHIO–BBVA Foundation Comprehensive Program of Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunology (CAIMI III) is accelerating the development of next-generation cancer immunotherapies through a unique combination of discovery science, translational research, and clinical innovation.
Launched in 2018, the program brings together immunologists, clinicians, bioinformaticians, and cell therapy specialists to better understand how the immune system recognizes and fights cancer — and how these discoveries can be transformed into more precise and effective treatments for patients.
Following its initial period (2018–2021), CAIMI was renewed for 2022–2025 and is now continuing through a new agreement covering 2026–2029 — a sustained, multi-phase commitment that has made each successive wave of discovery possible.
Today, CAIMI has become a leading platform for translational immuno-oncology research, driving early-phase clinical trials, biomarker discovery, and the development of advanced cellular therapies that are now advancing toward the clinic.
One of CAIMI’s major achievements has been the development of innovative approaches to identify tumor-reactive immune cells directly from blood samples. Using single-cell sequencing and advanced immune profiling technologies, researchers have been able to track how T cells evolve during immunotherapy treatment, opening new possibilities for personalized immune-based therapies without the need for repeated tumor biopsies.
The program has also generated important discoveries on how tumors escape immune attacks. Researchers demonstrated that oncogenic pathways such as MYC can actively suppress anti-tumor immunity, while inhibition of MYC may help restore immune responses and improve sensitivity to immunotherapy.
Another major area of progress has been liquid biopsy research. CAIMI investigators developed ultrasensitive circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) technologies capable of detecting extremely small amounts of tumor-derived genetic material in blood samples. These advances allow earlier monitoring of treatment response, improved prediction of patient outcomes, and better distinction between true tumor progression and treatment-related inflammatory responses.
Through its PROTEA program, CAIMI is translating immunological discoveries into advanced cell-based therapies, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), CAR-T, and TCR therapies.
Among its most important milestones is the development of personalized T-cell therapies generated from peripheral blood using minimally invasive approaches. Researchers estimate that this strategy could benefit nearly half of patients with advanced epithelial cancers.
The program has also advanced highly selective CAR-T therapies, including the p95HER2.CAR-TECH2Me platform targeting HER2-positive tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Following extensive preclinical validation, the first-in-human clinical trial received approval from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS).
To support the future clinical implementation of these therapies, VHIO is also developing GMP-compliant manufacturing facilities dedicated to the production of advanced cellular therapies.
CAIMI has generated major scientific and translational impact, including:
- 5 patents
- 38 scientific publications
- Support to 5 active clinical trials in cellular therapies
- 117 oral presentations in local and international scientific meetings and congresses
- 34 poster presentations at national and international conferences.
In addition, we launched two editions of the VHIO–BBVA Foundation International Symposium on Cell-Based Therapies in Oncology, strengthening international collaboration and scientific exchange in advanced cancer immunotherapies.
The program has also contributed to training the next generation of cancer immunotherapy specialists through fellowships, doctoral programs, and international scientific symposia.
We launched a dedicated education and training program to foster expertise in immunotherapy, initially awarding 17 fellowships across PhD, Master’s, and summer research programs. The initiative has since expanded to a total of 36 fellowships, reflecting our commitment not only to developing innovative therapies, but also to training the next generation of leading specialists in the field.
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