Oncology and Neoplasms Research

At Vall D Hebron Institute Of Oncology in Barcelona, clinical trials focus strongly on cancer care, with studies aimed at improving treatment options for a wide range of advanced and hard-to-treat tumors. The research explores new therapies, combination approaches, and better ways to measure disease control in solid tumors and blood-related tumor settings.

  • Advanced breast cancer, including hormone receptor–positive disease and cases with brain or leptomeningeal spread
  • Non-small cell lung cancer and other lung tumors, including neuroendocrine variants
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, and malignant pleural mesothelioma

These studies are mainly designed to test new treatment strategies, compare them with existing options, and understand which approaches may better slow progression or improve tumor response.

Neuroendocrine and Rare Tumor Studies

A notable part of the site’s research is centered on neuroendocrine tumors and other uncommon cancers, reflecting a strong interest in difficult-to-treat disease biology. Trials in this area are evaluating therapies for patients with tumors of the lung, thymus, and extra-pulmonary sites, where treatment choices are often limited.

  • Neuroendocrine carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors of the lung and thymus
  • Extra-pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
  • Metastatic solid tumors with neuroendocrine features or complex disease behavior

The main goal of this research is to evaluate whether new targeted or immune-based treatments can offer better disease control for patients with rare cancers that have few standard options.

Immune System Diseases and Immunotherapy-Driven Cancer Research

Several trials at this site examine how the immune system can be used to fight cancer, especially in tumors that have returned after prior treatment or no longer respond well to standard care. This includes studies of immune-based combinations and approaches designed to strengthen anti-tumor activity across multiple cancer types.

  • Advanced melanoma refractory to prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy
  • Malignant pleural mesothelioma after platinum-based chemotherapy
  • Advanced solid tumors and metastatic disease with resistance to earlier therapies

The research is aimed at testing new immunotherapies, improving response rates, and finding more effective options for patients whose cancers have become harder to treat.

Targeted Therapy and Precision Oncology

The site also supports precision medicine studies that match treatment to specific tumor features, such as gene alterations or receptor status. These trials reflect a growing effort to personalize cancer care and improve outcomes through more selective treatment strategies.

  • RET-altered malignancies and RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer
  • ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer with endocrine resistance
  • Solid tumors with PIK3CA mutations

At this research site, these studies are being used to assess whether targeted therapies can better control tumors defined by specific molecular changes and support more individualized treatment planning.

Respiratory Tract Diseases and Advanced Thoracic Cancer Research

Research in respiratory tract diseases is represented through trials in lung and thoracic cancers, including both common and rare forms. These studies address advanced disease, treatment resistance, and spread to the brain or central nervous system.

  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Malignant pleural mesothelioma
  • Lung neuroendocrine tumors and pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma

The purpose of this work is to evaluate new therapies and combination treatments that may improve disease control in patients with advanced thoracic cancers.