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Imaging of c-Met aberrant cancers with Gallium-68 chelators for positron emission tomography

Project description

Real-time imaging of aberrant c-Met points to giant leap in cancer treatment

Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met) is a protein that is encoded by the MET gene. Aberrantly active MET genes trigger tumour growth. Real-time monitoring of c-Met expression will therefore assist in the diagnosis and the monitoring of treatment response. The overall objective of the EU-funded ICG68-PROG project is to create a library of novel molecular agents that will be located in cells that overexpress c-Met, which can be used in common positron emission tomography (PET) scans. The agent structure will therefore consist of a protein that will locate the tissues affected by the disease, and of particular units that will bind gallium-68 and make the cells visible in the positron emission tomography.

Objective

Aberrant hepatocyte growth factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR or c-Met) signalling is involved in the development of several tumor types. Monitoring of c-Met expression in real time will assist in the diagnosis and in the monitoring of response to therapy. The overall objective of the ICG68-PROG is to create a library of novel molecular agents able to effectively target c-Met and to efficiently bind gallium-68, and therefore to be exploited as c-Met PET imaging tracers. The expected results of the ICG68-PROG are to select the most promising and effective tracers among the library of synthesized compounds for further preclinical development. The objective of the ICG68-PROG will be achieved thanks to a rational design and synthesis of the novel peptide-chelator bioconjugates. Firstly, the gallium binding units will be developed, then c-Met binding peptides will be synthesized. The two chemical moieties will then be conjugated and the gallium chelating capabilities, as well as the c-Met binding capabilities, will be evaluated. It is logical to believe that, in future clinical practice, non-invasive PET imaging with the developed tracers will support not only the diagnosis of c-Met overexpressed cancers but also the selection of patients for c-Met–targeting drugs (Met inhibitors and anti-Met antibodies), as well as identifying responding and nonresponding patients for such therapeutic agents. According to the European Cancer Information System, the most common estimated and lethal causes of cancer are breast, prostate, lung and bronchus, and colon & rectum. In these tumors, the c-Met receptor is often overexpressed. In this context the products derived from the development of the ICG68-PROG will create powerful tools for the detection and monitoring of the most common and lethal cancers among Europe and worldwide, making the ICG68-PROG at the forefront for the fighting of a major public health problem and of primary interest for the European citizens.

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinator

KING'S COLLEGE LONDON
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.

€ 212 933,76
Address
STRAND
WC2R 2LS London
United Kingdom

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Region
London Inner London — West Westminster
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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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.

€ 212 933,76
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