Research led by the Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón) is seeking a therapeutic target to treat endometriosis without affecting the hormonal cycle. This chronic disease affects more than 30,000 women in Aragón and causes debilitating pain. Soledad Alonso, president of Adaena, describes a reality where the pain is so intense that it drastically reduces the quality of life of those affected.
Senescent cells as a possible target for a more precise treatment 🔬
The IIS Aragón team has identified senescent cells in ectopic endometrial tissue as a possible target. These cells, which stop dividing but do not die, release inflammatory factors that intensify pain. The research aims to develop drugs that selectively eliminate those cells without interfering with hormonal receptors. If achieved, endometriosis could be treated while preserving the menstrual cycle and avoiding the side effects of current hormonal treatments.
The bad news: in the meantime, living with the pain will continue 😔
As is often the case with scientific advances, the solution won't arrive tomorrow. While researchers in Zaragoza work on their promising target, those affected will continue to rely on heat, painkillers, and the trick of pretending to be asleep so that appointments with the gynecologist don't take up the whole day. Science advances, but for now, pain doesn't understand deadlines.