The Best of the AACR Journals Collection: Author Profiles

Sonia Guedan

Title & Affiliation:
Principal Investigator, Department of Hematology and Oncology, IDIBAPS-Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain.

Most-cited Article:
Improving CART-Cell Therapy of Solid Tumors with Oncolytic Virus–Driven Production of a Bispecific T-cell Engager

Q: What is your primary area of study/research?
A: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells for the treatment of solid tumors.

Q: What influenced your decision to embark on a research career?
A: During my training as a pharmacist, I promptly realized that the current standard of care was not enough to treat cancer patients and that researchers needed to think outside the box to develop novel therapies to address such a substantial unmet clinical need. I was immediately fascinated about the potential of genetic engineering to treat certain diseases and I decided to embark on a beautiful journey to develop gene and cell therapies for cancer treatment.

Q; What excites you most about your research area?
A: Working with CAR-T cells over the past decade and witnessing the historic revolution of cancer immunotherapies has been a dream come true. The translation of CAR-T cells to the more challenging setting of solid tumors is the next milestone. I am extremely excited about designing and developing the next generation CAR-T cells and moving these therapies to the clinic, with my partners at Hospital Clinic in Barcelona.

Q: What are your hobbies or passions outside of work?
A: I love being outdoors; a beautiful hike with good company is the perfect way to recharge batteries. One of my favorite moments is to watch a good movie at a film festival followed by a Q&A with the directors. I believe social change is possible and I like being politically engaged. I am passionate about traveling around the world, discovering new places, food and culture, and meeting lovely people.