The Diario de Teruel interviews Rebeca Sanz Pamplona, ​​a researcher at the IIS Aragón

The principal investigator from the group 'Cancer Heterogeneity and Immunomics' (GIIS110) has been included in the Pioneers 2025 calendar published by the Provincial Council of Teruel

Rebeca Sanz Pamplona She researches childhood cancer from her hometown, Urrea de Gaén, where she lives with her family. She is one of the Pioneers of the calendar published by the Teruel Provincial Council for 2025 and, although she doesn't like to give advice, she does encourage young people to "study what they like".

What does your research consist of?

Since I started my thesis, I haven't changed my field. I study tumors at the molecular and cellular level, trying to understand how they evade the immune system and the drugs administered to patients. We're looking for new therapeutic targets and biomarkers to personalize treatments and determine which therapy is most appropriate for each patient.

Do you focus on any specific type of tumor?

We mainly investigate the metastasis of different types of tumors. In addition, for a year and a half now, we have started a new line in pediatric tumors, thanks to funding from Aspanoa. We want to apply the knowledge of personalized medicine for adults to children.

Do childhood tumors behave differently than those in adults?

Yes, they are different, just like children's immune systems. Their immune systems are still immature, and this influences how tumors develop and how they respond to treatment. Pediatric oncologists say that children are not miniature adults, as they also metabolize drugs differently.

I suppose that since the incidence of childhood cancer is lower, historically fewer resources have been allocated to its research…

Yes, in fact it is considered one rare disease due to its low frequencyIn Aragon, for example, only about 30 cases have been detected this year. However, this low incidence can allow us to develop personalized medicine strategies on a case-by-case basis.

What stage of the investigation are you in?

Now we are in a initial phase, We call in silico, bioinformatics, we analyze large databases of childhood tumors using algorithms and programming.

So instead of working with test tubes and a white coat, you're in front of a computer...

Yes, yes, that's right.

Did you always know that you wanted to stay in Aragon?

Yes. Although I studied and worked for many years in Barcelona, I always thought about coming backI studied Biology in Barcelona because the degree wasn't offered in Zaragoza at the time. I didn't care where, I just wanted to study Biology.

How did you decide to enter the research sector?

During the race we were offered to do practices in a laboratoryI really liked it and continued down that path. I got funding for my thesis at that same lab, and I stayed.

How did you return to Aragon?

Thanks to a grant from the Araid program, the Aragonese Agency for Research and Development, which is an initiative of the Government of Aragon to attract research talent.

It's part of the Pioneers calendar, which highlights the work of women in various fields. Do you think these types of initiatives help raise awareness and inspire girls and young women?

Yes, especially because it is focused on schools. At these ages, they are like sponges and absorb information. For example, my oldest son knew the calendar and was excited when he found out he was going to appear in it. I know that schools in Teruel use it quite a bit.

How do you organize your research from Urrea?

I make a mixed systemI connect to a supercomputer server in Zaragoza and work from home most of the time. I only go into the city a couple of times a week.

Have you managed to fulfill your dream of working in what you love and living in your hometown raising your children?

Yes, although at first I thought it would be impossible. I thought I'd have to choose between one or the other, but I finally made it. Not everything is perfect, but I'm happy.

What message would you give to the girls of Teruel who dream of dedicating themselves to science or any other vocation?

I always tell them the same thing: to study what they like. They don't have to be scientists if they don't want to, but they should pursue their calling without worrying about whether it's a profession for boys or girls, or whether it has a job opening or not. It's easier to study something you're passionate about, and in the end, one way or another, you'll find a way.

Source: Teruel Diary

Image: Rebeca Sanz Pamplona in the illustration created by Elena Castillo for the Pioneers calendar