Haematological cancers have historically been at the forefront of cancer research. Accessibility to blood and bone marrow samples has enabled the development and validation of pioneering therapeutic strategies that have subsequently been extended to other types of tumours. In fact, some of the most significant advances in modern oncology, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapies and CAR-T cell therapies, were initially developed in the field of haemato-oncology.

Over the last decade, these innovations have offered new hope to many patients with leukaemia and lymphoma who had exhausted other therapeutic options. However, despite the progress made, treatments remain aggressive, with significant side effects and long-term sequelae, while relapse rates remain high. This highlights the need for further research to reduce the impact of the disease on patients and increase their chances of survival.

In this context, the ACHILLES project is a strategic initiative aimed at training a new generation of researchers in experimental haematological oncology, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to continue innovating in the diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia and lymphoma.

Funded by the Horizon Europe programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (GA 101227725) and coordinated by Dr Laura Belver, a researcher at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, the project brings together 15 academic and research institutions from 12 European countries with partners from the biotechnology and pharmaceutical development sectors and the support of European leaders in haematology such as the European Hematology Association (EHA) and the European School of Haematology (ESH).

Regarding the project, Dr Belver highlights that “ACHILLES is an interdisciplinary network that aims to bridge the gap between basic and preclinical research and its application in patients, training researchers capable of addressing the entire process in a comprehensive manner and with a holistic view of translational development.”

The ACHILLES network will host a total of 16 students over three years to carry out research focused on the development of advanced experimental models, innovative analysis tools, the identification of biomarkers with diagnostic potential, and the detection of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of haematological cancers.

With a patient-centred approach, the project seeks to foster collaboration between academia and industry, facilitating the transfer of scientific knowledge into clinical practice. ACHILLES is also aligned with the European Plan to Combat Cancer, contributing to improving survival rates and accessibility to innovative treatments for patients.