Scientist Alejandra González's strategy can be applied to several types of cancer to improve survival rates.

The IIS Aragón researcher has recently been recognized with the L'Oréal-UNESCO 'For Women in Science' 2025 award for her unique approach to combating pancreatic cancer. 

En The L'Oréal-UNESCO 'For Women in Science' program celebrated last week in the Teatro Real de Madrid the 19th edition of its "Research Awards" in Spain. Although the "Gordo" (The Big One) of the Christmas Lottery wasn't announced, the work of five young female researchers was recognized, standing out from the rest of the scientific, academic, and institutional figures present. And that's worth a lot..

Restlessness and nervousness

The day began with nerves and conversations in the corridors of the reserved space, but with a smile from the main protagonists that illuminated the whole Palacio de Oriente. Normal, of course. The awards, which are part of this program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Spain and whose objective is to recognize female leadership—and specifically, young talent in the scientific field—are endowed with with a grant of 15.000 euros for each project.

Luckily, we were able to discuss our first impressions with Alejandra Gonzalez (Madrid, 1985), from the Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon). In a room, away from the noise and the rest of the guests, he told us about his exciting project. However, not before expressing his concern about what would happen minutes later, despite the fact that it was good news for both his present and his future.

In deep

The shaking of his hands ended when he began to talk about the Pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult to treat due to its rapid progression and the low efficacy of current therapiesShe's researching ways to make tumors less dense by temporarily stimulating lymphatic vessels to facilitate the passage of drugs and enhance their effectiveness. And she conveyed this on camera with passion and a wealth of knowledge on the subject.

"The strategy I propose in this project is novel because we are trying to attack tumor biomechanics. Pancreatic cancer It has a very complex mechanics, its growth causes a lot of pressure to be exerted, a lot of liquid accumulates…», the expert told 'elEconomista.es'.

And what do they try? Well, by inducing lymphatic vessels, they release that pressure and make the tumor more permeable. so that all current chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments can be better deliveredFortunately, this strategy, which focuses on precise and less invasive medicine, could be applied to other types of cancer.

Although survival is very poor, González is "confident" that, with these types of objectives, therapies, and above all, the scientific ideas that we have, one day the time will come to "Improve that survival rate, treatments, and ensure that these patients have a wonderful quality of life.«.

The award comes, probably, at the best time for consolidate his scientific career in our country: "This award gives me the confidence and the means to continue moving forward. But, above all, it makes our work visible and can inspire future scientists to continue." this long and hard road«.

To consider

It is worth noting that the 'L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science' program, created in 1998 and with a presence in more than 100 countries, it has recognized more than 4.100 female scientists since its inception, including the Spanish ones Margarita Salas and Ángela Nieto, as well as 7 Nobel Prize winners, such as Katalin Karikó and Jennifer Doudna, among others.

Source: The Economist