Clinical research in dermatology in Spain
At Grupo Pedro Jaén and Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal
Potential access to investigational treatments for complex and difficult-to-control cases
Clinical research is an essential part of how I approach dermatology. It is not only about applying advances that are already available, but also about actively contributing to the development of new treatment options for patients with inflammatory or immune-mediated skin diseases.
For selected patients, participation in a clinical trial may provide access to investigational therapies within a medically, ethically and scientifically supervised setting. Clinical trials are therefore an important part of my work, linking highly specialised patient care with international research and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
What can a clinical trial offer?
Today, highly effective treatments are available for many inflammatory skin diseases. Even so, some patients do not achieve adequate disease control with currently approved options or, because of the complexity of their case, may require a particularly specialised assessment.
In this context, a clinical trial may offer an additional therapeutic option, always within a regulated framework and following an individual medical assessment. In some cases, it may provide access to investigational medicines or treatment strategies that are still under development and may not become part of routine clinical practice for some time.
Beyond any potential individual benefit, participation in clinical research also contributes to advancing medical knowledge and developing new options for future patients.
Clinical trials are not appropriate for every patient, but may be relevant in selected cases
Participation in a clinical trial is not indicated for everyone, but it may be particularly relevant for patients in situations such as:
- psoriasis that is difficult to control;
- failure of or inadequate response to previous treatments;
- the need to consider more innovative therapeutic options;
- significant impact on quality of life;
- complex cases or relevant comorbidities;
- patients seeking a highly specialised assessment;
- other inflammatory skin diseases for which currently available options have not provided sufficient control.
In these circumstances, assessing whether an appropriate clinical study is available for the patient’s profile may open up additional options within a carefully planned medical strategy.
Research in psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases
Although psoriasis is one of the main areas of my research activity, my work in clinical trials is not limited to this disease.
I also participate in clinical studies and research programmes involving other inflammatory or immune-mediated dermatological conditions, including:
- atopic dermatitis,
- hidradenitis suppurativa,
- alopecia areata,
- vitiligo,
- prurigo nodularis,
- notalgia paraesthetica,
- and other complex skin diseases.
This breadth of research activity allows the same model of clinical and scientific expertise to be applied not only to psoriasis, but also to other conditions requiring highly specialised management.
Where this research is carried out
I conduct my research activity at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and ICMR (International Center for Medical Research), the research centre of Fundación Pedro Jaén.
At Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, I lead an independent research programme, working with collaborators in the United States, focused on the comprehensive assessment of patients with psoriasis and the early prevention and detection of comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease.
ICMR, meanwhile, is an independent centre dedicated exclusively to clinical research in dermatology. It coordinates and conducts phase I, II, III and IV clinical trials involving treatments, medicines and medical technology in dermatology and related specialties. Its work is supported by Fundación Pedro Jaén and by access to the advanced technical resources, infrastructure and specialist professionals of Grupo Pedro Jaén.
The role of ICMR in clinical research
ICMR aims to bring high-level scientific research closer to patients who have not achieved sufficient control with currently approved treatments.
Its activity focuses on:
- investigating advanced approaches for different skin diseases;
- conducting voluntary clinical trials at no cost to participants;
- assessing complex cases that may require investigational treatments;
- and providing a specialised clinical research environment supported by an experienced team.
This model enables high-level clinical research to be conducted in Spain and Europe within a highly specialised dermatological setting.
What safeguards are in place when participating in a clinical trial?
Participation in a clinical trial must always take place within an ethical, regulated and carefully supervised framework.
In every case:
- participation is entirely voluntary;
- patients receive detailed information about the study;
- inclusion depends on specific eligibility criteria;
- each patient is assessed individually;
- and the decision to participate or not to participate does not affect the quality of medical care they receive.
The aim is to ensure that, whenever participation is appropriate, it takes place under the required medical, ethical and scientific standards.
How is eligibility for a clinical trial assessed?
If a patient would like further information or wishes to explore possible participation in one of the ongoing research programmes, the process begins with an individual assessment of their case.
In general, this process includes:
- an initial enquiry requesting information;
- preliminary guidance from the research team;
- review of the case and available medical documentation;
- an individual medical assessment;
- and, if the patient meets the criteria for an ongoing study, a detailed explanation of the trial, its requirements and the patient’s rights.
In some cases, additional information or an initial consultation may be required to obtain a clearer understanding of the patient’s medical history, disease course and clinical circumstances.
Clinical research, medical excellence and access to advanced treatments
One of the defining features of this model is that it does not focus solely on established treatments, but works at the interface between clinical care, research and therapeutic development.
For selected patients, this means that assessment for a clinical trial may form part of an advanced comprehensive strategy, particularly when conventional options have not provided sufficient control or when the complexity of the case requires more specialised review.
Clinical trials should therefore not be understood as a general promise of treatment, but as a potential option for appropriately selected patients within a highly specialised medical setting.
A potential opportunity for selected patients, not a standard option for everyone
It is important to understand that a clinical trial does not automatically replace approved treatments and is not suitable for every patient.
Its value lies in the fact that, for some individuals, it may provide access to investigational therapeutic strategies that are not yet generally available.
The key is therefore not to offer research participation to every patient, but to identify the situations in which this option may be clinically appropriate and to integrate it within rigorous, ethical and personalised medical care.
How to obtain further information
If you would like information about possible participation in research programmes for psoriasis or other inflammatory skin diseases, you can contact us through this website or request information directly from the ICMR team.
Following an initial assessment, your individual circumstances will be reviewed to determine whether your profile may meet the criteria for any ongoing studies. Where appropriate, you will receive all the information required to make an informed decision.
Related information
If you would like to learn more about the comprehensive management of psoriasis, you can visit the Comprehensive Psoriasis Treatment section.
If you would like a detailed review of a complex or poorly controlled case, you can visit the Dermatology Second Opinion Consultation section.
If you would like to learn more about the role of advanced therapies in psoriasis, you can visit the Biological Therapy for Psoriasis section.
Dr Álvaro González Cantero
Consultations at Grupo Pedro Jaén
About me
I work as a dermatologist and psoriasis specialist at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and within the Psoriasis and Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases Unit at Grupo Pedro Jaén in Madrid, where I combine clinical practice with research.
I follow a comprehensive model of psoriasis care designed to manage both mild and moderate cases that may be difficult to control in everyday life and more severe or complex cases that require advanced treatment strategies.
Because psoriasis can also be associated with other comorbidities, my approach includes their early identification, prevention and, where necessary, treatment, with the aim of reducing their potential impact on the patient’s overall health.
Dr Álvaro González Cantero
Medical registration number: 454505859
