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Novel precision technological platforms to promote non-invasive early diagnosis, eradication and prevention of cancer relapse: proof of concept in the bladder carcinoma.

Project description

DEENESFRITPL

Novel precision technology for early diagnostic and eradication of bladder carcinoma

The EU-funded EDIT project proposes transformative technology, combining high-resolution ultrasound elastography and photoacoustic imaging for the early detection and management of bladder cancer (BC). The approach utilises engineered gold nanorods (GNRs) as a photo-acoustic antenna to target the bladder extracellular matrix (ECM) whose properties make it a unique carcinoma biomarker. In addition to creating a visualisation platform, the GNRs can be further utilised for targeted photo-thermal cancer therapy. The EDIT design will enable the detection of pre-neoplastic areas and the highly-selective eradication of cells. Ultimately, it will offer preclinical validation in the early detection of BC and therapeutic nanomedicine against bladder carcinoma in situ.

Objective

Unmet clinical needs in the management of bladder cancer (BCa) are the prevention of tumor onset, relapse and progression, and therapy of the aggressive carcinoma in situ (Cis), requiring weekly treatments and endless follow-up, with a consequent poor quality of life and the highest cost per patient among all cancers. Therefore, public health programs crave for early BCa detection protocols, to improve performance in the management of this devastating disease. Here we propose an advanced transformative technology termed EDIT combining a novel high-resolution ultrasound elastography and photoacoustic imaging on the bladder instilled with targeted plasmonic gold sensors.
EDIT approach exploits the structural and mechanical properties of the bladder extracellular matrix (ECM) as a unique biomarker of the early onset/progression/relapse of carcinoma, through engineered novel gold nanorods (GNRs) used as intravesical photoacoustic antennas targeted at the ECM, generating an ad hoc visualization platform. GNRs will be further utilized as heat-releasing effectors at nanoscale for targeted cancer photo-thermal therapy. EDIT is designed to detect pre-neoplastic area and eradication of local areas at few cells resolution with high sensitivity and specificity.
We bring together a multi and transdisciplinary consortium capable to develop non-invasive and non-ionizing novel technology and preclinical validation for early prognosis of BCa and therapeutic nanomedicine against bladder Cis. Outcomes of EDIT will revolutionize the management of BCa with the introduction of sensing and effector nanotechnologies combined with non-invasive organ imaging with high resolution/definition by 3D ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging.
Structural and mechanical modification of the ECM is a common denominator for invasive breast, colorectal, prostate and bladder cancers. EDIT platforms will also pave the ways for the earlier management of other bladder-related pathologies and solid tumors.

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Call for proposal

H2020-FETOPEN-2016-2017

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Sub call

H2020-FETOPEN-1-2016-2017

Funding Scheme

RIA - Research and Innovation action

Coordinator

OSPEDALE SAN RAFFAELE SRL
Net EU contribution
€ 1 146 963,75
Address
VIA OLGETTINA 60
20132 Milano
Italy

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Region
Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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Total cost
€ 1 146 963,75

Participants (9)

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Last update: 27 February 2024

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/801126

European Union, 2024