XI FERO Grant – Dr. Héctor Peinado

50% of melanoma patients experience a relapse, and currently there are no prognostic markers to identify those at risk. This study focuses on developing methods to identify residual disease after surgery in melanoma patients who could benefit from early diagnosis and specific therapies.

The project is based on the use of liquid biopsy (similar to a blood test) for the prognosis of melanoma patients. Circulating vesicles and DNA in the plasma and lymphatic fluid of melanoma patients are used to obtain molecular signatures associated with disease progression and to improve treatment. This approach serves as a real-time liquid biopsy at the moment the patient is discharged after surgery to resect lymph nodes (an operation known as lymphadenectomy).