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AI-augmented Robotics for CAncer point of caRE

Project description

Improving UADT cancer care with AI and robotics

Cancer in the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) is a major global health concern, with both incidence and mortality rates on the rise. Ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgeons face significant challenges in treating these cancers, including incomplete tumour data, non-ergonomic working conditions, and limited precision in handling delicate cancerous tissues. These difficulties can lead to less effective treatments and higher patient risks. In this context, the EU-funded AIRCARE project will integrate cutting-edge AI and robotic technologies. This initiative will enhance diagnostic accuracy with real-time AI-powered biopsies and improve surgical precision through advanced robotic tools and intuitive 3D visualisation, setting new benchmarks for UADT cancer care.

Objective

Cancer in the Upper Aerodigestive Tract (UADT) is still among the leading cancer types worldwide, with both incidence rate and mortality rate constantly rising. Treatment of these diseases is by Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) surgeons, operating with incomplete knowledge of the tumor geometry, under non-ergonomic conditions and with limited precision on fragile cancerous tissue. AIRCARE will bring clinical practice in diagnosis and surgical treatment to the next level, by introducing advanced AI and robotic technology into the clinical workflow. For diagnosis, AIRCARE will enable real-time on-the-spot AI-powered optical/electric biopsies, helping to optimize a patient-specific surgical approach. For surgery, AIRCARE will provide a more controlled and ergonomic setting. Novel robotic stabilizing and controlling tools will further allow manipulation of tissue and removal of cancer with unprecedented levels of precision. A newly developed intuitive 3D visualization will simplify the understanding of the complex surgical scene. Aside from increase of safety, quality and efficiency of the surgical procedure, also less experienced surgeons may become able to perform complex image guided treatments. Within this innovation action, our European partners spanning universities, research centers, industry and 3 hospitals, will join forces across disciplines to advance promising research prototypes into two advanced integrated systems: one for diagnosis, one for surgery, thus supporting clinicians from the detection and diagnosis of UADT diseases until their surgical treatment. Within the framework of the project, the superiority of AIRCARE technology will be demonstrated in real operational environments through three clinical studies. By doing so, we aim to demonstrate the benefits of AI and robotics to healthcare professionals and UADT patients and put the seeds to translate this technology into the next standard of care for improved clinical outcomes.

Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-HLTH-2023-TOOL-05

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Coordinator

FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 515 625,00
Address
VIA MOREGO 30
16163 GENOVA
Italy

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Region
Nord-Ovest Liguria Genova
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 515 625,00

Participants (13)

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