The Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga (IBIMA) is working on a European project called Project-COMFORT, which aims to innovate in blood sample collection for monitoring patients with colorectal cancer.
Project Description
The project, which involves more than 50 institutions from twelve European countries and the United States, focuses on blood microsampling as an alternative to conventional venous blood extraction. This method, which uses capillary devices, allows for less invasive blood sampling, reducing the discomfort that patients often experience during frequent extractions.
Project-COMFORT has a total budget of 6.6 million euros, of which 3.04 million is funded by the European Union. The initiative began in November 2024 and is expected to conclude in April 2028.
Research Development in Málaga
In Spain, the project is led by IBIMA, with Manuel Macías as the principal investigator. The research is being conducted in collaboration with the Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital and the Regional University Hospital of Málaga, which are involved in patient recruitment and sample collection.
Preliminary data obtained from 22 patients have been presented at the IHI Forum 2026. The results indicate that 20 out of 22 participants prefer microsampling to conventional venous extraction, highlighting the comfort of the procedure. In particular, 91% of patients who used the capillary device on their arm reported low pain levels.
The next phase of the study will include a stage where patients or their caregivers can perform sample collection at home, expanding options for monitoring this disease in non-hospital settings.
Project-COMFORT aims not only to validate a less invasive technique but also to improve the patient experience in a process that can be complicated and frequent for those suffering from colorectal cancer.
The final results of the project will be published in scientific journals and disseminated through the official channels of the European consortium.
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