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.
