Objective Over the past few years, evidence has accumulated supporting the hypothesis that cancer robustness may be attributed to a small portion of the tumour mass, the cancer stem cells (CSCs). This leads us to propose a more target-oriented treatment for cancer. Our approach is geared towards the addition of Master Switch factors in the microenvironment of the CSCs that will lead to their differentiation into non-proliferative and non-malignant cells. These master switch factors are normally present in the normal stem cell niche to regulate homeostasis. Our proposal is subdivided in in vitro studies, in silico modelling and in vivo testing (transplantation in animal models) of stem cells representing two types of solid tumours: brain and breast cancers. To achiev e our goal, the master switch factors will be identified and delivered locally, in and around the tumour. For that purpose, we will use microbeads loaded with the Master Switch protein(s) to deliver, only locally, a high concentration of the differentiatin g factor(s), recreating a normal microenvironment. Since it relies on the addition of proteins in the environment of the cancer stem cells, we will use a lab-on-chip system to cultivate and study a small number of CSCs in a controlled microenvironment. Fin ally, it is known that not all tumours even of a same type respond in the same way or at the same speed to an identical treatment. We therefore propose to develop biomathematical models of the behaviour of the CSCs based on parameters identified first in v itro and later in vivo. This biomodelisation will help generating the control board, a realistic predictive model aiming at the custom-tailoring of the tumour treatment. We will then be able to propose a conceptually novel treatment that will include an a pproach, the facilitation of CSC differentiation, an evaluation method using biopsies in combination with the lab-on-chip and detailed treatment procedures based on predictions by the control board. Fields of science engineering and technologyother engineering and technologiesmicrotechnologylab on a chipnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesstem cellsmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologybreast cancermedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiologyhomeostasis Keywords Stem cell cancer differentiation Programme(s) FP6-POLICIES - Policy support: Specific activities covering wider field of research under the Focusing and Integrating Community Research programme 2002-2006. Topic(s) NEST-2003-1 - Adventure activities Call for proposal FP6-2003-NEST-B-1 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme STREP - Specific Targeted Research Project Coordinator VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL Address Pleinlaan 2 Bruxelles Belgium See on map Links Website Opens in new window EU contribution € 0,00 Participants (3) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V. Germany EU contribution € 0,00 Address Hansastasse 27 c Munchen See on map Links Website Opens in new window INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL BIOMATHEMATICS Israel EU contribution € 0,00 Address Hate'ena street, 10 282 Bene ataroth See on map THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER United Kingdom EU contribution € 0,00 Address Oxford road Manchester See on map Links Website Opens in new window
