Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

A rapid non-invasive on-chip miRNA-based Sputum Assay for early stage Lung Cancer Screening

Project description

A miRNA biosensor for early-stage lung cancer screening

Lung cancer accounts for the majority of cancer-related deaths in the world. Although most lung tumours are classified as the less aggressive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) type, late diagnosis leads to dismal outcomes. The EU-funded MI-SCAN project aims to improve the non-invasive detection of early stage (I, II) lung cancer using miRNA biomarkers. Scientists will develop a microfluidic device that uses miRNA probes combined with gold nanoparticles to target miRNA biomarkers present in lung cancer cells. A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection methodology is applied to achieve a sensitive detection. This biosensor works with non-invasive sputum samples, overcoming the laborious and invasive gold standard methods currently employed for lung cancer diagnosis.

Objective

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in the world accounting for an estimated 1.8 million deaths, 18.4% of the total in 2018. Approximately 85% of lung cancers are classified as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a less aggressive form of tumor than small cell lung cancer (the remaining 15% of all lung cancers).
The gold standard diagnostic methods for lung cancer patients include X-ray, low-dose CT and sputum cytology which are not efficient for early stage diagnosis of lung cancer. Lately, analysis of molecular markers has been proposed as a useful tool for cancer diagnosis in early stage. Molecular analysis of sputum is reported for identifying the cells bearing tumor-related genetic aberrations; therefore, it is specific and sensitive than cytological analysis. Furthermore, using non-invasive sputum sample have potential application for screening by molecular methods for regular health checking clinics.
The proposed interdisciplinary methodology is to combine the Micro-RNA (miRNA) bioassay on microfluidic chip with Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. The goal of the project is to develop non-invasive detection of early stage (I, II) lung cancer using miRNA biomarker on-chip with multiplexed SERS technology. The overall system integrates a microfluidic device with gold particle linked with RNA probes that can capture target miRNA biomarkers for lung cancer cells. The SERS is used to generate a signal peaks when a positive test result occurs.
Importantly, this biosensor platform will have several advantages over existing techniques. i) It is a label-free, amplification-free method for rapid miRNA detection. ii) The sensor platform can monitor multiple targets simultaneously. The project will eventually develop a portable and novel integrated platform by incorporating commercially available custom made portable Raman detectors for sensitive and selective detection of lung cancer at very early stage.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

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

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

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

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

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

UNIVERSIDAD DE VIGO
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.

€ 172 932,48
Address
LG CAMPUS LAGOAS MARCOSENDE
36310 VIGO PONTEVEDRA
Spain

See on map

Region
Noroeste Galicia Pontevedra
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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.

€ 172 932,48
My booklet 0 0