Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research
At Bellvitge University Hospital, clinical trials in cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders focus on conditions such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, acute myocardial infarction, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and severe hypertriglyceridemia. These studies are designed to test new treatments, reduce major cardiovascular events, and improve long-term heart and vascular health.
- Heart failure, including preserved and reduced ejection fraction, with a focus on improving cardiac function and outcomes
- Atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention, especially in patients who need safer ways to lower clot-related risk
- Acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction, with trials aimed at reducing inflammation and future cardiovascular events
- Metabolic conditions such as hypertriglyceridemia and familial hypercholesterolemia, evaluating therapies that improve lipid control
This research reflects a strong interest in preventing complications and finding better ways to treat cardiovascular disease across both acute and chronic settings.
Kidney, Transplantation, and Renal Immunology
The site conducts extensive research in nephrology and transplant medicine, studying chronic kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, kidney transplant rejection, and end-stage renal disease. These trials aim to preserve kidney function, improve transplant outcomes, and evaluate new approaches for immune-related kidney injury.
- Chronic and progressive kidney disease, including proteinuria and hypertension-related kidney damage
- Kidney transplant complications such as antibody-mediated rejection, graft pyelonephritis, and delayed graft function
- Immune-mediated renal diseases like IgA nephropathy and lupus nephritis, with trials testing targeted therapies
- Renal replacement and dialysis-related studies, including treatments for inflammation and long-term kidney protection
This is one of the most active areas at Bellvitge University Hospital, with a clear emphasis on improving kidney survival and transplant care.
Respiratory and Infectious Disease Studies
Clinical research in respiratory diseases and infectious diseases includes COPD, asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus infection, and serious bacterial infections. The purpose of these trials is to improve symptom control, reduce infections, and evaluate therapies for severe or progressive lung disease.
- Chronic lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis
- Severe respiratory infections, including pneumonia, RSV, and bacterial bloodstream infections
- Inflammatory and immune-related lung conditions, with studies seeking better disease control
- Antimicrobial research aimed at improving treatment effectiveness and limiting complications
These trials support better management of both long-term breathing disorders and acute infections across the hospital’s respiratory research portfolio.
Neurology, Neuroimmunology, and Mental Health
The hospital is active in neurology, neuroimmunology, and psychiatry, with trials in multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, Alzheimer’s disease, obsessive compulsive disorder, and major depressive disorder. Research here is focused on testing new therapies, slowing disease progression, and improving daily function and quality of life.
- Multiple sclerosis and related progressive forms, including studies of long-term disease control
- Neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, Becker muscular dystrophy, and myasthenia gravis
- Seizure disorders and epilepsy, with trials exploring better symptom prevention and control
- Mental health conditions, including depression and obsessive compulsive disorder, to evaluate ongoing treatment benefit
This broad program shows a strong commitment to both chronic neurological disease and brain health research at Bellvitge University Hospital.
Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Immune-Mediated Disease
Research in digestive system diseases and immune system diseases includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, advanced chronic liver disease, pancreatitis, and perianal fistulising disease. These trials are designed to improve disease control, reduce inflammation, and assess longer-term safety of new treatment options.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Chronic liver disease and liver-related complications, including prognosis-focused studies
- Pancreatic and post-surgical digestive conditions, where better recovery and symptom control are key goals
- Immune-mediated digestive disorders, evaluating therapies that target inflammation and tissue damage
The research portfolio combines symptom relief, disease modification, and long-term safety assessment in complex gastrointestinal conditions.
Ophthalmology and Vision Research
Trials in eye diseases address diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, uveitis, thyroid eye disease, and pathologic myopia. The main aim is to preserve vision, slow disease progression, and evaluate therapies that may improve retinal and optic outcomes.
- Diabetic eye disease, including retinopathy and its early progression
- Macular degeneration and geographic atrophy, with studies focused on maintaining visual function
- Inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis and thyroid eye disease
- Retinal vascular and choroidal disorders, where new treatments are being assessed for effectiveness
This area highlights ongoing efforts to protect eyesight through earlier intervention and improved treatment options.
Oncology and Hematology
The site also supports research in neoplasms and blood disorders, including bladder cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, uveal melanoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and lymphoma. These studies are intended to evaluate new cancer therapies, improve disease control, and extend survival.
- Urologic cancers such as high-risk and non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer, including oligometastatic and metastatic disease
- Solid tumors such as lung cancer and uveal melanoma
- Hematologic malignancies, including B-cell lymphomas and related blood cancers
The oncology program reflects a wide-ranging effort to improve treatment options for both common and rare cancers.
Allergy, Dermatology, and Autoimmune Research
Clinical trials in allergy, skin disease, and autoimmune disorders include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic urticaria, allergic rhinitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis. The goal is to test targeted therapies, reduce inflammatory symptoms, and improve everyday comfort and disease control.
- Allergic conditions affecting the nose, eyes, and skin, with studies aimed at better symptom relief
- Inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and vitiligo
- Systemic autoimmune diseases, including lupus and scleroderma, where immune control is central
- Chronic urticaria and hereditary angioedema, focusing on reducing recurrent flare-ups and attacks
This research area combines common allergic disorders with complex immune-mediated diseases, broadening the hospital’s clinical trial reach.
Musculoskeletal, Rare Disease, and Endocrine Studies
Additional trials cover musculoskeletal diseases, rare genetic disorders, and endocrine conditions such as low back pain, Fabry disease, Niemann-Pick disease type C, thyroid disease, and type 1 diabetes. These studies are aimed at improving pain control, supporting long-term disease management, and evaluating treatments for uncommon conditions.
- Chronic pain and inflammatory muscle disorders, including low back pain and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
- Rare inherited diseases such as Fabry disease and Niemann-Pick disease type C
- Endocrine and metabolic conditions, including type 1 diabetes and thyroid-related disease
- Selected genetic and connective tissue disorders, where new therapies are being explored
Together, these studies show the site’s interest in both everyday symptom management and specialized rare disease research.
