Project description DEENESFRITPL MRI-based monitoring of oncolytic virotherapy in brain tumour models Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of fatal brain tumour found in adults. A promising therapeutic approach for GBM involves oncolytic viruses (OV) that selectively infect, multiply in and specifically destroy only tumour cells. Successful oncolytic virotherapy requires frequent non-invasive monitoring of the whole process. The goal of the EU-funded OncoViroMRI project is to develop an MRI-based application for accurate, quantitative and rapid imaging of OV delivery and spread in relevant tumour models. The proposed interdisciplinary methodology involves the genetic modification of the virus for MRI detection, the development of machine-learning methods to enhance the virus image-monitoring process and finally the evaluation using mice models of brain tumour therapy. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of brain tumor found in adults and is fatal in all cases. A very promising therapeutic approach for GBM is the use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) that selectively infect, replicate in, and destroy tumor cells, while sparing the surrounding normal cells. Nevertheless, to achieve successful oncolytic virotherapy, frequent non-invasive monitoring of the process must be performed. This is crucial for gaining a better understanding of the interactions between the virus and its tumor-host and predicting a therapeutic response. Thus, the development of a non-invasive method, capable of accurately quantifying the location and extent of the viral spread in the tumor is highly required and is of great importance. Accordingly, the main research goal of this action is to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- based method for accurate, quantitative, and rapid imaging of OVs delivery, and spread in clinically relevant tumor models. The devised interdisciplinary methodology includes: genetically modifying the therapeutic virus to be detectable in MRI; developing machine learning methods to increase the speed, specificity, and sensitivity in image-monitoring the virus; and evaluating the established methods using mice models of brain tumor therapy. The allocated training and research environment is optimal for achieving the proposal goals: an outgoing phase at Harvard Medical School, a secondment at a leading clinical MRI company (Insightec), enhancing translation potential, and a return phase at a leading university (Technion), ensuring the transport of knowledge back to the EU. The envisioned technology could be expanded to various additional clinical conditions, and its dissemination could improve patient care. The unique skill set to be acquired by the experienced researcher, would allow claiming a distinct niche of knowledge, increasing competency to a tenure-track position, and a research career in the EU. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyvirologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologyengineering and technologymedical engineeringdiagnostic imagingmagnetic resonance imagingnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencesartificial intelligencemachine learning Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2018 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2018 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-GF - Global Fellowships Coordinator TECHNION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LTD Net EU contribution € 269 998,08 Address The senate building technion city 1 32000 Haifa Israel See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Partners (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all Partner Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement. Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging United States Net EU contribution € 0,00 Address Thirteenth street, suite 2301 149 02129 Charlestown See on map Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 177 265,92
