Since 2015, this Ibizan entity, declared of General Interest by the Balearic Government, has been funding research that has evolved from an experimental idea to become a technological platform capable of analyzing multiple biomarkers and advancing towards the ultra-early detection of the disease.

According to the president of the association, Mari Carmen Gutiérrez, the organization was created after the death of her daughter Elena from cancer, with the aim of transforming her legacy into help for other people. From the beginning, the association was committed to prevention and research in early detection, differentiating itself from other charitable organizations. The project also arose with the aim of supporting young researchers whose work was in danger due to lack of funding.

For her part, Priscila Monteiro Kosaka emphasizes that the support of the Elena Torres Association has been key to giving continuity to her research at a particularly difficult time, allowing her to move forward with stability and time to develop a technology with real clinical impact potential.

Ten years transforming an idea into real technology

During this decade, the CSIC research team has managed to optimize the sensor that forms the core of the detection, making it more stable, uniform and sensitive; increase the analysis capacity to process 48 samples in parallel; and develop specific biosensors for breast and lung cancer biomarkers, validated both in the laboratory and in real samples from patients at Hospital 12 de Octubre.

In addition, research is progressing towards detection at the single cell level, one of the great challenges of oncology, through the study of biophysical biomarkers and technologies such as digital holography. All this consolidates an increasingly precise, automated tool with the potential to improve early diagnosis and save lives.

New projects

Coinciding with this tenth anniversary, the Elena Torres Association announces that from 2026 it will open a new line of funding for research projects in early detection of cancer in the Balearic Islands.

It will also maintain a minimum annual contribution of 50,000 euros to ensure the continuity of the project led by Monteiro Kosaka, which is at an advanced stage of development.

Gutiérrez stresses that these ten years demonstrate the capacity of the Ibizan society to promote cutting-edge science and reaffirms the commitment of the entity to continue supporting researchers of the archipelago and generating real impact.

A decade of gratitude

The association emphasizes that the project has been possible thanks to the involvement of the entire island of Ibiza and thanks the support of companies, organizations, volunteers and individuals who have collaborated during these ten years through solidarity actions, campaigns and donations.

Numerous well-known faces from the fields of communication, music, acting, fashion and gastronomy have collaborated with the Elena Torres Association, as well as the designer Ágata Ruiz de la Prada, author of the solidarity T-shirt. The solidarity book 12 Vidas, by Eva Ballarín and Alicia Reina, also raises funds for the organization.

The Elena Torres Association also has a solidarity store in Ibiza and online, where you can buy solidarity T-shirts and other garments, many of them donated by fashion brands.

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• The Elena Torres Association launches its VIII Solidarity Calendar in the Pitiusas islands

La entrada Elena Torres Association celebrates 10 years promoting early cancer detection se publicó primero en La Voz De Ibiza.

A special menu to add up against cancer

The gastronomic proposal served during this evening of solidarity includes a Christmas soup as a starter, a round of beef or pork with grilled vegetables as a main course and a greixonera with vanilla ice cream and caleta coffee as dessert. The donation price is 75 euros, drinks included, and all profits will go entirely to research. Reservations can be made by calling +34 649 43 50 21 or +34 650 22 41 05.

An event that reinforces social commitment

This charity dinner adds to the calendar of actions that the Elena Torres Association promotes every year to raise awareness and funds. Recently, the entity managed to raise 900 euros thanks to the Pink October campaign, aimed at raising awareness of breast cancer. Once again, neighbors, companies and volunteers come together to support a project that could transform the future of cancer diagnosis.

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Research with Ibizan seal and international recognition

The project funded by the association is based on a proprietary technology of nanosensors and biotechnology, developed by Monteiro Kosaka, capable of detecting tumor markers at very early stages through a simple blood test. The research is currently in its fourth phase, carrying out proofs of concept with real samples from Spanish hospitals. Its innovative potential has been recognized with the prestigious Fero Grant, one of the most important awards in the oncology field.

Eight years of work and 600,000 euros invested in the project

Since its creation, the association – founded in memory of Elena Torres, whose story inspires this cause – has allocated 600,000 euros to this project thanks to donations from citizens, solidarity events and the support of local companies. Its commitment is firm: to continue funding this research until it is fully completed.

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• The Elena Torres Association launches its VIII Solidarity Calendar in the Pitiusas islands

La entrada An initiative of the Elena Torres Association that unites gastronomy and solidarity to advance the fight against cancer. se publicó primero en La Voz De Ibiza.