Joana Filipa Macedo Liz Pimenta

@ipoporto.pt

Faculdade Medicina Universidade Porto
Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto

Joana Filipa Macedo Liz Pimenta


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https://researchid.co/joanalizpimenta

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Oncology
14

Scopus Publications

100

Scholar Citations

6

Scholar h-index

3

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Heparanase (HPSE) genetic variants as prognostic indicators in ovarian cancer: evidence from discovery and validation cohorts
    Inês Guerra de Melo, Valéria Tavares, Joana Savva-Bordalo, Mariana Rei, Joana Liz-Pimenta, et al.
    Molecular Biology Reports, 2026
    Background Heparanase uniquely cleaves heparan sulfate, the main component of the outer layer of endothelial cell plasma membranes, promoting tumour invasion and dissemination. However, it can also enhance tumour immune surveillance and clearance. heparanase’s versatility extends to pro-thrombotic properties, such as the promotion of tissue factor release. Interestingly, elevated heparanase levels have been found in ovarian cancer (OC), which has a notably high incidence of venous thrombosis. Previously, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of HPSE were shown to modulate mRNA and protein levels, possibly predicting disease outcomes. Methods and results Given the potential role of heparanase in OC, the implications of three SNPs - rs11099592, rs4364254 and rs4693608 - were investigated in OC patients. In the discovery cohort, rs11099592 TT genotype and rs4364254 C allele carriers showed lower survival time than their counterparts (log-rank test, p = 0.025 and p = 0.001, respectively). Validation cohort analysis confirmed the worse prognosis associated with the rs11099592 T allele and the rs4364254 C allele in non-serous (log-rank test, p = 0.016) and platinum-resistant (log-rank test, p = 0.044) OC patients, respectively. The rs4364254 C allele was associated with reduced HPSE expression in peripheral blood components (χ 2 test, p = 0.005), suggesting a protective role for HPSE in OC patients. Conclusions HPSE rs11099592 and rs4364254 showed prognostic value, with T and C allele carriers, respectively, displaying worse clinical outcomes. These results indicate that heparanase could enable a tumour microenvironment shift towards a less aggressive cancer behaviour, facilitating leukocyte migration and anti-tumour responses. Further research should explore the dual mechanisms of this protein to improve OC management.
  • Guidelines for the Management of Venous Thromboembolism in End-of-Life Cancer Patients: National Consensus
    Natacha Mourão, Joana Liz-Pimenta, Ricardo Pinto, Ricardo Fernandes, João Godinho, et al.
    Acta Medica Portuguesa, 2026
    O tromboembolismo venoso é uma complicação frequente em doentes oncológicos, sobretudo em fases avançadas, nas quais a presença de doença metastática pode aumentar o risco de trombose em cerca de 20 vezes relativamente aos estádios iniciais, sendo esse risco ainda mais acentuado nos doentes em fim de vida. Apesar da elevada prevalência, persistem lacunas significativas na evidência que orienta a sua gestão nesta fase da doença. A abordagem do tromboembolismo venoso nesta população representa um desafio terapêutico, dada a elevada taxa de recorrência trombótica e de complicações hemorrágicas. Adicionalmente, o diagnóstico é dificultado tanto pela inespecificidade dos sintomas como pela necessidade de evitar exames invasivos ou onerosos, que possam comprometer o conforto do doente. Este manuscrito, desenvolvido em colaboração entre o Grupo de Estudos de Cancro e Trombose e a Associação Portuguesa de Cuidados Paliativos, revê os principais desafios clínicos e éticos associados ao diagnóstico, tratamento e profilaxia do tromboembolismo venoso nesta população, com o intuito de apoiar a prática médica em decisões muitas vezes complexas. As recomendações aqui propostas baseiam-se na melhor evidência disponível, complementada pela experiência clínica dos autores e por uma reflexão ética centrada no doente. São apresentados critérios para orientar i) a decisão de iniciar, manter ou suspender anticoagulação; ii) o papel da imagiologia neste contexto; iii) as indicações para a tromboprofilaxia. Com esta síntese, pretende-se contribuir para uma prática mais informada e consistente, com foco na qualidade de vida e dignidade do doente, reforçando a qualidade dos cuidados prestados e promovendo a sua aplicação transversal nos diferentes contextos assistenciais.
  • Heritable Genetic Variability in Ovarian Tumours: Exploring Venous Thromboembolism Susceptibility and Cancer Prognosis in a Hospital-Based Study
    Valéria Tavares, Joana Savva-Bordalo, Mariana Rei, Joana Liz-Pimenta, Joana Assis, et al.
    Gene, 2025
  • Endothelial Dysfunction Markers in Ovarian Cancer: VTE Risk and Tumour Prognostic Outcomes
    Inês Guerra de Melo, Valéria Tavares, Joana Savva-Bordalo, Mariana Rei, Joana Liz-Pimenta, et al.
    Life, 2024
    Ovarian cancer (OC) presents daunting lethality rates worldwide, with frequent late-stage diagnosis and chemoresistance, highlighting the need for improved prognostic approaches. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a major cancer mortality factor, is partially driven by endothelial dysfunction (ED). ED’s pro-inflammatory state fosters tumour progression, suggesting a VTE-independent link between ED and cancer. Given this triad’s interplay, ED markers may influence OC behaviour and patients’ prognosis. Thus, the impact of ED-related genes and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on OC-related VTE and patient thrombogenesis-independent prognosis was investigated. NOS3 upregulation was linked to lower VTE incidence (χ2, p = 0.013), while SELP upregulation was associated with shorter overall survival (log-rank test, p = 0.048). Dismissing patients with VTE before OC diagnosis, SELP rs6136 T allele carriers presented lower progression-free survival (log-rank test, p = 0.038). Nevertheless, due to the SNP minor allele underrepresentation, further investigation is required. Taken together, ED markers seem to exhibit roles that depend on the clinical context, such as tumour-related thrombogenesis or cancer prognosis. Validation with larger cohorts and more in-depth functional studies are needed for data clarification and potential therapeutic strategies exploitation to tackle cancer progression and thrombosis in OC patients.
  • Plasma microRNA Environment Linked to Tissue Factor Pathway and Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: Prognostic Significance in Ovarian Cancer
    Valéria Tavares, Joana Savva-Bordalo, Mariana Rei, Joana Liz-Pimenta, Joana Assis, et al.
    Biomolecules, 2024
    Ovarian cancer (OC) is a leading cause of death among gynaecological malignancies. The haemostatic system, which controls blood flow and prevents clotting disorders, paradoxically drives OC progression while increasing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial in understanding VTE pathogenesis. Exploring the connection between cancer and thrombosis through these RNAs could lead to novel biomarkers of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) and OC, as well as potential therapeutic targets for tumour management. Thus, this study examined the impact of eight plasma miRNAs targeting the tissue factor (TF) coagulation pathway—miR-18a-5p, -19a-3p, -20a-5p, -23a-3p, -27a-3p, -103a-3p, -126-5p and -616-3p—in 55 OC patients. Briefly, VTE occurrence post-OC diagnosis was linked to shorter disease progression time (log-rank test, p = 0.024) and poorer overall survival (OS) (log-rank test, p < 0.001). High pre-chemotherapy levels of miR-20a-5p (targeting coagulation factor 3 (F3) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2)) and miR-616-3p (targeting TFPI2) predicted VTE after OC diagnosis (χ2, p < 0.05). Regarding patients’ prognosis regardless of VTE, miR-20a-5p independently predicted OC progression (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 6.13, p = 0.005), while miR-616-3p significantly impacted patients’ survival (aHR = 3.72, p = 0.020). Further investigation is warranted for their translation into clinical practice.
  • Haemostatic Gene Expression in Cancer-Related Immunothrombosis: Contribution for Venous Thromboembolism and Ovarian Tumour Behaviour
    Valéria Tavares, Joana Savva-Bordalo, Mariana Rei, Joana Liz-Pimenta, Joana Assis, et al.
    Cancers, 2024
    Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest gynaecological malignancy. Identifying new prognostic biomarkers is an important research field. Haemostatic components together with leukocytes can drive cancer progression while increasing the susceptibility to venous thromboembolism (VTE) through immunothrombosis. Unravelling the underlying complex interactions offers the prospect of uncovering relevant OC prognostic biomarkers, predictors of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), and even potential targets for cancer therapy. Thus, this study evaluated the expression of F3, F5, F8, F13A1, TFPI1, and THBD in peripheral blood cells (PBCs) of 52 OC patients. Those with VTE after tumour diagnosis had a worse overall survival (OS) compared to their counterparts (mean OS of 13.8 ± 4.1 months and 47.9 ± 5.7 months, respectively; log-rank test, p = 0.001). Low pre-chemotherapy F3 and F8 expression levels were associated with a higher susceptibility for OC-related VTE after tumour diagnosis (χ2, p < 0.05). Regardless of thrombogenesis, patients with low baseline F8 expression had a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) than their counterparts (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 2.54; p = 0.021). Among those who were not under platelet anti-aggregation therapy, low F8 levels were also associated with a shorter OS (aHR = 6.16; p = 0.006). Moving forward, efforts should focus on external validation in larger cohorts.
  • Haemostatic gene variations in cervical cancer-associated venous thrombosis: considerations for clinical strategies
    Beatriz Vieira Neto, Valéria Tavares, José Brito da Silva, Joana Liz-Pimenta, Inês Soares Marques, et al.
    Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis, 2024
  • Primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer outpatients – real-world evidence
    Joana Liz-Pimenta, Valéria Tavares, João Gramaça, João Rato, Maria Menezes, et al.
    Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis, 2024
  • Comprehensive look at rectal squamous cell carcinoma
    BMJ Case Reports, 2024
  • Long Non-Coding RNAs: Bridging Cancer-Associated Thrombosis and Clinical Outcome of Ovarian Cancer Patients
    Inês Soares Marques, Valéria Tavares, Joana Savva-Bordalo, Mariana Rei, Joana Liz-Pimenta, et al.
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024
    Ovarian cancer (OC) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) have a close relationship, in which tumour cells surpass the haemostatic system to drive cancer progression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in VTE pathogenesis, yet their roles in cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) and their prognostic value are unexplored. Understanding how these lncRNAs influence venous thrombogenesis and ovarian tumorigenesis may lead to the identification of valuable biomarkers for VTE and OC management. Thus, this study evaluated the impact of five lncRNAs, namely MALAT1, TUG1, NEAT1, XIST and MEG8, on a cohort of 40 OC patients. Patients who developed VTE after OC diagnosis had worse overall survival compared to their counterparts (log-rank test, p = 0.028). Elevated pre-chemotherapy MEG8 levels in peripheral blood cells (PBCs) predicted VTE after OC diagnosis (Mann–Whitney U test, p = 0.037; Χ2 test, p = 0.033). In opposition, its low levels were linked to a higher risk of OC progression (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 3.00; p = 0.039). Furthermore, low pre-chemotherapy NEAT1 levels in PBCs were associated with a higher risk of death (aHR = 6.25; p = 0.008). As for the remaining lncRNAs, no significant association with VTE incidence, OC progression or related mortality was observed. Future investigation with external validation in larger cohorts is needed to dissect the implications of the evaluated lncRNAs in OC patients.
  • Thrombogenesis-associated genetic determinants as predictors of thromboembolism and prognosis in cervical cancer
    Beatriz Vieira Neto, Valéria Tavares, José Brito da Silva, Joana Liz-Pimenta, Inês Soares Marques, et al.
    Scientific Reports, 2023
  • Thrombosis and cachexia in cancer: Two partners in crime?
    Joana Liz-Pimenta, Valéria Tavares, Beatriz Vieira Neto, Joana M.O. Santos, Catarina Brandão Guedes, et al.
    Critical Reviews in Oncology Hematology, 2023
  • Bridging the equity gap in patient education: the biliary tract cancer BABEL project
    Raffaella Casolino, Chiara Braconi, MG Prete, F González Romero, RE Castro, et al.
    Lancet Oncology, 2022
  • Priapism Secondary to Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins: A Case Report
    Joana Liz-Pimenta, Nuno Dias, Miguel Barbosa, Marta Sousa
    Acta Medica Portuguesa, 2022

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Heparanase (HPSE) genetic variants as prognostic indicators in ovarian cancer: evidence from discovery and validation cohorts
    IG de Melo, V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, D Pereira, ...
    Molecular Biology Reports 53 (1), 713 , 2026
    2026
  • Reassessing HPSE in Ovarian Cancer: Beneficial After All?
    IG de Melo, V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, D Pereira, ...
    2026
  • Recomendações para a Abordagem do Tromboembolismo Venoso no Doente Oncológico em Fim de Vida: Consenso Nacional
    N Mourão, J Liz-Pimenta, R Pinto, R Fernandes, J Godinho, NT Tavares, ...
    Acta Médica Portuguesa 39 (2), 149-157 , 2026
    2026
  • Heritable Genetic Variability in Ovarian Tumours: Exploring Venous Thromboembolism Susceptibility and Cancer Prognosis in a Hospital-Based Study
    V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, J Assis, D Pereira, ...
    Gene 950, 149378 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Endothelial dysfunction markers in ovarian cancer: VTE risk and tumour prognostic outcomes
    IG de Melo, V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, D Pereira, ...
    Life 14 (12), 1630 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 7
  • Recomendações Nacionais do Grupo de Estudos do Cancro Associado a Trombose para o Tratamento e Profilaxia do Tromboembolismo Venoso no Doente Oncológico
    JL Pimenta, J Augusto, JG Godinho, M Malheiro, S Barroso, M Barbosa
    Revista Portuguesa de Oncologia 7 (3-4), 57-69 , 2024
    2024
  • Plasma microRNA environment linked to tissue factor pathway and cancer-associated thrombosis: prognostic significance in ovarian cancer
    V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, J Assis, D Pereira, ...
    Biomolecules 14 (8), 928 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 7
  • Haemostatic gene expression in cancer-related immunothrombosis: contribution for venous thromboembolism and ovarian tumour behaviour
    V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, J Assis, D Pereira, ...
    Cancers 16 (13), 2356 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 12
  • Primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer outpatients–real-world evidence
    J Liz-Pimenta, V Tavares, J Gramaça, J Rato, M Menezes, M Baleiras, ...
    Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 57 (5), 805-814 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 3
  • Haemostatic gene variations in cervical cancer-associated venous thrombosis: considerations for clinical strategies
    BV Neto, V Tavares, JB da Silva, J Liz-Pimenta, IS Marques, L Salgado, ...
    Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 57 (5), 815-827 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 6
  • Comprehensive look at rectal squamous cell carcinoma
    J Liz-Pimenta, C Ferreira, A Araújo, M Sousa
    BMJ Case Reports CP 17 (1), e255284 , 2024
    2024
  • Long non-coding rnas: bridging cancer-associated thrombosis and clinical outcome of ovarian cancer patients
    IS Marques, V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, ...
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences 25 (1), 140 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 9
  • Thrombogenesis-associated genetic determinants as predictors of thromboembolism and prognosis in cervical cancer
    BV Neto, V Tavares, JB da Silva, J Liz-Pimenta, IS Marques, L Carvalho, ...
    Scientific Reports 13 (1), 9519 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 15
  • Treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with sorafenib: a 10-year single center experience
    J Presa Ramos, S Tavares, A Barreira, JL Pimenta, S Carvalho, P Carrola, ...
    GE-Portuguese Journal of Gastroenterology 30 (3), 213-220 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 6
  • Thrombosis and cachexia in cancer: Two partners in crime?
    J Liz-Pimenta, V Tavares, BV Neto, JMO Santos, CB Guedes, A Araujo, ...
    Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology 186, 103989 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 25
  • Priapism Secondary to Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins: A Case Report.
    J Liz-Pimenta, N Dias, M Barbosa, M Sousa
    Acta Médica Portuguesa 36 (5) , 2023
    2023
  • Death doulas in the news: a media scoping study
    JL Pimenta, A Pedroso, J Tieman, D Rawlings
    2022
    Citations: 2
  • Bridging the equity gap in patient education: the biliary tract cancer BABEL project
    R Casolino, C Braconi, MG Prete, FG Romero, RE Castro, JM Banales, ...
    The Lancet Oncology 23 (5), 568-570 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 3
  • CALCIFICAÇÕES EM GRÃO DE ARROZ: UMA IMAGEM DE CISTICERCOSE DISSEMINADA
    J Liz-Pimenta, A Trigo Faria
    Revista Online de Casos Clínicos em Medicina Interna , 2022
    2022
  • PO-08 Cancer outpatients under thromboprophylaxis: an analysis of choices and events
    JL Pimenta, K Ladeira, A Teira, M Rocha, P Gago, D Azevedo, E Cadavez, ...
    Thrombosis Research 200, S21-S22 , 2021
    2021

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Thrombosis and cachexia in cancer: Two partners in crime?
    J Liz-Pimenta, V Tavares, BV Neto, JMO Santos, CB Guedes, A Araujo, ...
    Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology 186, 103989 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 25
  • Thrombogenesis-associated genetic determinants as predictors of thromboembolism and prognosis in cervical cancer
    BV Neto, V Tavares, JB da Silva, J Liz-Pimenta, IS Marques, L Carvalho, ...
    Scientific Reports 13 (1), 9519 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 15
  • Haemostatic gene expression in cancer-related immunothrombosis: contribution for venous thromboembolism and ovarian tumour behaviour
    V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, J Assis, D Pereira, ...
    Cancers 16 (13), 2356 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 12
  • Long non-coding rnas: bridging cancer-associated thrombosis and clinical outcome of ovarian cancer patients
    IS Marques, V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, ...
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences 25 (1), 140 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 9
  • Endothelial dysfunction markers in ovarian cancer: VTE risk and tumour prognostic outcomes
    IG de Melo, V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, D Pereira, ...
    Life 14 (12), 1630 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 7
  • Plasma microRNA environment linked to tissue factor pathway and cancer-associated thrombosis: prognostic significance in ovarian cancer
    V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, J Assis, D Pereira, ...
    Biomolecules 14 (8), 928 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 7
  • Haemostatic gene variations in cervical cancer-associated venous thrombosis: considerations for clinical strategies
    BV Neto, V Tavares, JB da Silva, J Liz-Pimenta, IS Marques, L Salgado, ...
    Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 57 (5), 815-827 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 6
  • Treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with sorafenib: a 10-year single center experience
    J Presa Ramos, S Tavares, A Barreira, JL Pimenta, S Carvalho, P Carrola, ...
    GE-Portuguese Journal of Gastroenterology 30 (3), 213-220 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 6
  • Primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer outpatients–real-world evidence
    J Liz-Pimenta, V Tavares, J Gramaça, J Rato, M Menezes, M Baleiras, ...
    Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 57 (5), 805-814 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 3
  • Bridging the equity gap in patient education: the biliary tract cancer BABEL project
    R Casolino, C Braconi, MG Prete, FG Romero, RE Castro, JM Banales, ...
    The Lancet Oncology 23 (5), 568-570 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 3
  • Death doulas in the news: a media scoping study
    JL Pimenta, A Pedroso, J Tieman, D Rawlings
    2022
    Citations: 2
  • Right vs left-sided RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer treated with EGFR inhibitors: prognostic differences
    S Duarte, I Grilo, K Ladeira, J Pimenta, P Liu, T Sarmento, M Barbosa
    Annals of Oncology 30, iv53 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 2
  • Sexualidade no Idoso-Considerações ao Profissional de Saúde
    JFML Pimenta
    PQDT-Global , 2014
    2014
    Citations: 2
  • Heritable Genetic Variability in Ovarian Tumours: Exploring Venous Thromboembolism Susceptibility and Cancer Prognosis in a Hospital-Based Study
    V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, J Assis, D Pereira, ...
    Gene 950, 149378 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Heparanase (HPSE) genetic variants as prognostic indicators in ovarian cancer: evidence from discovery and validation cohorts
    IG de Melo, V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, D Pereira, ...
    Molecular Biology Reports 53 (1), 713 , 2026
    2026
  • Reassessing HPSE in Ovarian Cancer: Beneficial After All?
    IG de Melo, V Tavares, J Savva-Bordalo, M Rei, J Liz-Pimenta, D Pereira, ...
    2026
  • Recomendações para a Abordagem do Tromboembolismo Venoso no Doente Oncológico em Fim de Vida: Consenso Nacional
    N Mourão, J Liz-Pimenta, R Pinto, R Fernandes, J Godinho, NT Tavares, ...
    Acta Médica Portuguesa 39 (2), 149-157 , 2026
    2026
  • Recomendações Nacionais do Grupo de Estudos do Cancro Associado a Trombose para o Tratamento e Profilaxia do Tromboembolismo Venoso no Doente Oncológico
    JL Pimenta, J Augusto, JG Godinho, M Malheiro, S Barroso, M Barbosa
    Revista Portuguesa de Oncologia 7 (3-4), 57-69 , 2024
    2024
  • Comprehensive look at rectal squamous cell carcinoma
    J Liz-Pimenta, C Ferreira, A Araújo, M Sousa
    BMJ Case Reports CP 17 (1), e255284 , 2024
    2024
  • Priapism Secondary to Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins: A Case Report.
    J Liz-Pimenta, N Dias, M Barbosa, M Sousa
    Acta Médica Portuguesa 36 (5) , 2023
    2023