David Egea is defending his thesis: "My work contributes to expanding knowledge about how magnetic hyperthermia therapy works"

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David Egea did not plan to do his thesis at the ICMM: "I started it at CNB, but I needed to collaborate with Puerto for the synthesis of the nanoparticles required for my studies," he says. "I was very interested in material synthesis, and eventually, the collaboration was extended for two years. As a result, I ended up doing my thesis in collaboration with the ICMM". Now he is defending his thesis this week: on March, 25, at 12PM at the ICMM's main hall. 

The title of his work is 'Optimization of the parameters involved in Magnetic Hyperthermia and study of its effects at the cellular level to Enhance its application in antitumor therapies'. He has been supervised by Domingo F. Barber Castaño (CNB-CSIC) and Puerto Morales Herrero (ICMM-CSIC) and, asked about explaining his research to a non-scientific audience, he says: "My research focuses on understanding magnetic hyperthermia therapy in order to improve it. This anticancer therapy is based on the application of magnetic fields to activate nanoparticles, causing them to generate heat. This heat can then kill the surrounding tumor cells".

"The main application of my research is to contribute to expanding knowledge about how magnetic hyperthermia therapy works," he points out. "Although it is currently in clinical trials, the clinical implementation of this therapy has not occurred as originally expected, due to a lack of optimization of several important parameters involved," he explains. 

From his point of view, he has learnt a lot of lessons during his PhD thesis. "But if I had to highlight one, I think I would choose the multidisciplinary work," adds the researcher. He is sure that this experience will contribute to his training and future "positively". "It has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, learn a great deal, and meet many people with whom I have established professional connections," he adds. 

Now his work is done, he "really need to rest and disconnect for a few months". He wants to return with more strength later and, probably, do a postdoc abroad afterward.