Olga Abián Franco
Centre: BIFI
Institution: Dpt. Bioquímica/IUI BIFI
Position: Researcher from the University of Zaragoza
E-mail: oabifra@unizar.es
Phone: 976761000 ext 5417
Web: http://bifi.es/en/research/biochemistry-and-mcb/drug-delivery
Profile: Ver
Personal statement
I began my research activity in 1998 after graduating in Pharmacy from the University of Navarra and completing my PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at the Autonomous University of Madrid in 2003, with a thesis focused on industrial enzyme immobilization techniques for antibiotic synthesis. I started at the newly established BIFI Institute in 2003, where I was jointly responsible for the start-up of the Biochemistry laboratory. Here, I acquired extensive experience in the study of macromolecules, specializing in spectroscopic techniques, calorimetry and high-performance screening. In 2008, I obtained a Miguel Servet contract from the Carlos III Health Institute as a researcher at the Aragonese Institute of Health Sciences (IACS) that allowed me to direct my research towards clinical applications, especially in the field of digestive oncology and stabilizing me as a Senior Researcher at the IACS in 2017. Since September 2021, I am a Full Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Zaragoza. Currently, I am developing my research career within the BIFI and the Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), integrating advanced biophysical techniques and collaborating in clinical projects with a focus on liquid biopsy for the early diagnosis of cancer.
Researcher profile identity
I am a leading researcher (R4) with a consolidated track record in the development of innovative diagnostic technologies applied to cancer, especially in the area of digestive cancers (gastric, pancreatic and colorectal). My research focuses on the development of non-invasive methods to identify changes in the composition of blood serum that may be related to the development of cancer. To do this, we study the application of the thermal liquid biopsy (TLB) technique and TLB combined with nanoparticles. In addition, we use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to analyze the data obtained and improve the accuracy of cancer diagnosis in its early stages. The goal is to develop methods that can be easily implemented in hospitals to improve screening programs and patient monitoring in a more accessible and less invasive way.
Why my research is important
My research is important because it addresses one of the biggest challenges in oncology: the early detection of cancer, specifically digestive, colorectal or pancreatic cancers, which are often diagnosed at advanced stages, drastically reducing the chances of survival. Through tools such as thermal liquid biopsy (TLB) and the use of artificial intelligence (AI), we are developing non-invasive, rapid and accurate methods to identify biomarkers that detect cancer in its early stages. The applied value of my research lies in the fact that these methods can be easily implemented in hospitals and clinics, improving population screening programs and allowing more effective patient monitoring. This has a direct impact on society, as it can increase survival rates by detecting cancer early, reduce the need for invasive procedures such as traditional biopsies and optimize personalised treatment.
Know more about me and my research here
– https://bifi.es/es/biofisica/
