Biophotonic Nanoparticle-enabled Laser Blood Test for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

Project Information

LaserBlood

Grant agreement ID: 101130740

DOI

10.3030/101130740

EC signature date 27 October 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 31 December 2027

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 3 386 586,25

EU contribution

€ 3 386 586,25

Coordinated by

FLIM LABS SRL
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LaserBlood (Biophotonic Nanoparticle-enabled Laser Blood Test for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The LASERBLOOD project is a pioneering initiative focused on developing an innovative in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test for the early detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This form of cancer remains one of the most lethal, with an alarming five-year survival rate below 10%. The urgency to improve early detection and diagnosis arises from the increasing incidence of PDAC due to aging populations, unhealthy lifestyles, and environmental factors. Currently, the lack of reliable biomarkers makes early screening nearly impossible, leading to late-stage diagnoses and poor survival outcomes.

To address this critical gap, LASERBLOOD leverages advances in fluorescence lifetime (FL) fingerprint analysis, applying it to personalized protein corona (PC) coatings on nanoparticles. This novel approach aims to develop a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tool capable of detecting PDAC at its earliest stages, thereby significantly improving patient prognosis. The project aligns with EU strategic priorities, particularly the EU Mission on Cancer, which seeks to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment. By employing a high-risk, high-gain research approach, LASERBLOOD has the potential to disrupt the landscape of cancer diagnostics, setting new standards for non-invasive, rapid, and cost-effective screening methodologies.

Beyond the immediate goal of PDAC detection, the project is poised to contribute to broader oncological applications, fostering the development of new high-tech enterprises, job creation, and advancements in biomedical research. Its environmental sustainability is also noteworthy, as the FL-based technique does not rely on chemical reactants, minimizing waste production and aligning with the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Strategy.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

LASERBLOOD has structured its research into distinct work packages (WPs), each contributing to the overarching objective of developing a reliable IVD test. Initial efforts are focused on defining the experimental setup for fluorescence lifetime (FL) analysis, selecting the optimal nanoparticle types, and determining the best conditions for PC formation. Key milestones include the successful engineering of an FL analysis prototype and the validation of FL fingerprints in preclinical mouse models.

Subsequent activities involve correlating FL signatures with various PDAC stages in mice, which has provided critical insights into disease progression. Subsequent research will test the LASERBLOOD approach in human plasma samples, paving the way for clinical validation. The project is also making significant strides in data analysis, utilizing bioinformatics tools to refine diagnostic accuracy and ensure reproducibility.

To ensure the robustness of the technology, interdisciplinary collaboration has been crucial, integrating expertise from chemistry, physics, bioinformatics, and clinical oncology. The project has faced challenges such as variability in NP-PC interactions and the need for stringent standardization protocols. However, mitigation strategies, including alternative procedures and adaptive methodologies, have been effectively employed to maintain research momentum.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

TheLASERBLOOD project is still at its early stage, the consortium is setting up the infrastructure to reach the project's goals. First results in fluorescence lifetime analysis of mice plasma confirm the project assumptions and research on mice is ongoing. While proceeding with the work, the clear need of of a supportive regulatory and standardisation framework has raised and the consortium has decided to apply to the HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-06 call to include another member expert in IDV regulations. The proposal was positively evaluated and the Gran Agreement preparation is ongoing.