Hospital Universitario Donostia

At Hospital Universitario Donostia, research in cardiovascular disease focuses on protecting heart function and improving outcomes for people with inherited risk. The trials include studies in asymptomatic carriers of dilated cardiomyopathy-related variants, with the goal of preventing early heart damage and slowing disease progression.

• Prevention of heart remodeling in genetic carriers at risk for dilated cardiomyopathy
• Evaluation of treatments aimed at preserving left ventricular function
• Research on early intervention for inherited cardiac disease

This area reflects a strong interest in early detection and preventive care within cardiology.

A major part of the clinical trial portfolio is dedicated to neoplasms, especially breast cancer. Studies are exploring new approaches for early-stage, advanced, and high-risk disease, including therapies designed to reduce recurrence, improve disease control, and support patients after standard treatment.

• Testing new options for ER+/HER2- breast cancer and HER2-positive breast cancer
• Evaluating treatments for advanced breast cancer and HER2-low disease
• Long-term follow-up of patients treated for early breast cancer

The site also contributes to research in liver cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer, and melanoma, broadening its oncology expertise.

The research program includes trials assessing newer immunotherapy and targeted therapy strategies across several cancers. These studies aim to improve response rates, delay recurrence, and offer better options for patients whose disease has returned or no longer responds to standard treatment.

• Testing immune-based treatments in advanced melanoma and liver cancer
• Studying targeted approaches for advanced breast cancer
• Exploring novel immune combinations in difficult-to-treat solid tumors

This work highlights the site’s role in advancing personalized cancer care through precision oncology.

The site is also active in nervous system diseases, with studies addressing symptoms and long-term safety in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and adrenomyeloneuropathy. These trials are designed to improve symptom control, monitor safety, and support better daily functioning.

• Evaluating treatments for fatigue in Parkinson’s disease
• Studying long-term safety in multiple sclerosis
• Investigating therapy for adrenomyeloneuropathy

This portfolio shows a clear interest in chronic neurological conditions and patient-centered care.

Research in bacterial infections includes studies focused on serious infections that affect vulnerable patients, especially diabetic foot infections. The trials are intended to compare treatment effectiveness and safety, helping identify better options for infection control and recovery.

• Comparing therapies for moderate to severe diabetic foot infections
• Assessing safety and tolerability of new anti-infective treatment approaches
• Supporting improved care for infection-related complications in diabetes

Alongside oncology and cardiology, this adds an important infectious disease dimension to the site’s research activity.

Clinical trials at Hospital Universitario Donostia also cover male urogenital and female urogenital diseases, including bladder cancer and pregnancy-related or other genitourinary conditions. The main aim is to evaluate new treatment combinations and improve outcomes for patients with complex disease.

• Perioperative treatment research in muscle-invasive bladder cancer
• Studies addressing broader genitourinary oncology needs
• Exploration of improved treatment strategies for difficult-to-manage urogenital disease

These trials strengthen the site’s contribution to both oncology and urology.