The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) has been awarded the prestigious National Research Award in Oncology 2024 thanks to the innovative work carried out by doctors Rocío Grajales Álvarez and Xiaomei Chavarría Arriaga, from the Oncology Hospital of the National Medical Center Siglo XXI.
The awarded research is based on the study of infiltrating lymphocytes in breast cancer, revealing that a higher percentage of TILs is related to a better treatment response and longer disease-free survival. Dr. Grajales, the director of the study, mentions that this line of research has been developed over several years and has utilized data from more than 5,200 patients.
The National Research Award in Oncology, to be presented on February 6, recognizes excellence in research related to breast cancer. The Mexican Society of Oncology (SMeO) grants this award to the best work conducted by residents in medical and surgical oncology, highlighting the participation of public institutions such as the Ministry of Health.
The methodology used in the awarded research is accessible and can be implemented in Tertiary Level hospitals across the country, making it a valuable tool for improving the prognosis and treatment of breast cancer patients. According to Dr. Grajales, TILs are associated with a better treatment response and higher specific survival, thus opening the possibility for more pathologists in Mexico to use this technique in cancer management.
This recognition not only celebrates excellence in research but also reinforces IMSS's commitment to improving medical care. The general director of IMSS, Zoé Robledo, has highlighted the importance of generating scientific information, and this study on breast cancer is a clear example of that.
Dr. Rafael Medrano Guzmán, director of the UMAE Oncology Hospital, celebrated the doctors' achievement, emphasizing the relevance of research to drive advances in public health in Mexico. The awarded research focused on the infiltrating lymphocytes of the tumor stroma in breast cancer patients, particularly those with HER-2 positive tumors.
Dr. Chavarría explained that the results showed that patients with more than 10% of TILs had a disease-free survival of 67 months, compared to 57 months for those with less than 10%. This study highlights the importance of oncological research to improve treatment decisions and the quality of life for cancer patients in Mexico.
