Jan 12, 2026
3 min read
Young promises to open the door to new treatments for the disease, although it will take years of training and effort.
José Luis Castaño and Víctor Arenas, hematologists and researchers at Idival.
José Luis Castaño and Víctor Arenas, hematologists and researchers at the Valdecilla Research Institute (Idival), are working on the development
new therapeutic strategies for
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a serious hematological disease.His research focuses on finding common weaknesses in tumor cells in this disease in order to improve patients' response to current treatments, as well as to make progress in other types of cancer.
The two young men explained that the laboratory they work in mainly "treats the disease by focusing on changing behavior".
Changes in methylation levels in these patients.From there, Castano focuses on the "PCR pathway" associated with the regulation of protein expression, while Arenas is dedicated to the "NFK2 signaling pathway", which is crucial for leukemic cell survival.
What does your research include?
A combination of inhibition of each pathway and inhibition (i.e., methylation) of that transcription factor.
proliferation of stem cells in these patients," says Castaño.
Of his choice to specialize in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, they indicate that "there have been many studies of the genetic regulation of the disease, and we have not seen it.
Instead, they pointed out that one of the characteristics represented by "90 percent of the patients" they have studied so far is "increased metabolism, actually a significant increase."Therefore, their goal is to "find the common features" of the disease: "If we can attack the common behavior, we can find more treatment.
Therefore, they hope to achieve progress"
Improve patient life and advance disease studies.“My work is just another grain of sand in everything that is happening around the world and it is my dream to try.
Castaño said: "Disease is an old disease. In this sense, Arenas hopes that your research "
one day they may reach patients who may have no first-line treatment or even treat those who do not respond to other treatments.
Furthermore, they note that “this factor is very cross-sectional, not only in chronic lymphocytic leukemia;
In other types of cancer, "so any findings" may apply to many other conditions."
Challenges for young researchers
What are the obstacles faced by professionals who want to dedicate themselves to research is the difficulty "
taking samples from patients because there are many diseases that do not affect a large part of the population and can be complicated. "Another important issue is the economic issue."
If there was more funding for this type of research, we could move forward faster or
"Have more resources," Casto said.In addition, "financial support" will be improved to encourage young researchers: "We have done a degree, a master's degree, now we are doing a doctorate. We see that the conditions are not what we expected. This effort is not reflected in the quality of life that you expect to have years later.
"We have completed our studies, a master's degree, and now a doctorate. The conditions do not meet our expectations, and the effort does not translate into the quality of life."
In addition to this combination
research with clinical practice, although this is something that in their particular case does not affect them because they are
special research workers.However, they state that the conditions are not good and that "After all, a lot of time is spent studying and working, and this is not reflected in the salary."
grants and scholarships, they insist "is a small thing for many people," ie
They create a lot of "competition" because they are aimed at "young researchers, intermediate researchers and those who have been in the field for a long time".“There is specific assistance at each stage of the investigation,” he explains.
and for them
Being young is not a barrier but not the "value" of your career is the problem: "We have no publications, we do not have papers, so it is harder to find contracts in the future, but not because of being young, but because it is possible
You will be able to experience something you have never experienced before,” says Arenas.
A question about perception
Of course his work is seen first with a gift
Meritorious Young Investigator Award at the Biennial International Conference on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, a world-renowned conference in the field.According to this recognition, both
They show the passion and motivation that is in them.Castaño confirmed that their recognition at such a large international conference means that the whole project is moving "in the right direction and that
is a prediction for the future.” “The value of a long effort in the end is very rewarding, very satisfying and even
There is more strength to be able to continue research,” he says.
Arenas said it was "amazing" because he had seen "how other people are."
World-class researchers find the work truly rewarding” and “necessary
a seal of quality that confirms that it is well prepared and can be something revolutionary when it comes to the study of diseases.
About the importance of this category.
Arenas, whose award is dedicated to young researchers, says this is important, “especially early in their research careers.”“This award not only helps financially;
It encourages you to continue your career."
Support and recognition from the first moment, surely many people will stay longer in the study."
“Also, in the world of research,” Castaño added.
entering the world of laboratories can be very difficult," hence these types of awards "
Youth involvement Ph.D.
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