Inigo Zubiavrre Martinez

Inigo Zubiavrre Martinez is a Professor in Cell Biology at the Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø. He serves as the Group Leader for the Molecular Inflammation Research Group (MIIIRG-IKM) with over 20 years of academic experience in cancer research and teaching. His work focuses on tumor microenvironment dynamics, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and their role in modulating responses to radiotherapy and immunotherapy.

Research Focus: Professor Martinez investigates the immunoregulatory functions of CAFs in tumor progression, radiation resistance, and immunosuppression. Key areas include:

• Radiation-induced changes in CAF signaling pathways (TGF-β/PDGF)
• Extracellular vesicle-mediated communication in irradiated tumors
• PET-imaging biomarkers for monitoring CAF responses (e.g., FAPI-74 tracers)
• Combinatorial radio-immunotherapy strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance

Publication Trends: Recent articles demonstrate a strong focus on molecular mechanisms of tumor stroma interactions with radiation/immunotherapy, utilizing proteomics, transcriptomics, and novel imaging techniques. Work frequently involves preclinical models to validate clinical translation potential.

Collaborations & Leadership: Leads multidisciplinary teams developing immuno-PET tracers and exploring proton therapy applications. Coordinates projects on radiation-induced immune modulation across European institutions.