Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Evomet (Deconstructing the evolution of metastasis)
Reporting period: 2023-03-01 to 2025-02-28
Cancer continues to pose a major public health challenge in Europe, with more than 3.5 million people diagnosed annually. Metastasis—the spread of cancer cells to distant organs—is responsible for over 90% of cancer-related deaths. Despite its clinical importance, metastasis remains poorly understood, and treatment options for patients with metastatic disease are often limited and ineffective. One key barrier is the lack of comprehensive knowledge about how metastatic cells evolve, interact with their environment, survive therapeutic pressures, and eventually cause organ failure.
EVOMET was launched to address this critical gap. As a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, EVOMET combined cutting-edge metastasis research with interdisciplinary, international training for 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs). The project applied an integrative approach, combining single-cell omics, in vivo models, functional genomics, and clinical data to dissect the fundamental mechanisms that govern metastatic progression and treatment resistance.
The specific objectives of EVOMET were to:
- Identify founding cancer cell clones that drive metastatic dissemination and therapeutic resistance, and characterize their molecular profiles;
- Dissect tumour–stroma interactions and their role in shaping the metastatic niche;
- Investigate the transition from metastatic latency to overt metastasis;
- Elucidate the cellular dynamics, plasticity, and interconversions that drive metastatic outgrowth in distant organs.
Conclusions of the action:
EVOMET has successfully met its objectives, generating novel insights into metastasis biology and establishing new proof-of-concept models for therapeutic intervention. Tangible outcomes include 15 peer-reviewed publications (with more in preparation), development of innovative tools and methodologies (some with translational potential), and the training of a highly skilled cohort of ESRs who are now advancing into careers in academia, clinical research, and industry. The consortium has also laid the groundwork for continued collaboration through the follow-up doctoral network ADAPTMET, further amplifying the impact of the EVOMET initiative. By combining rigorous research with a structured and transferable training programme, EVOMET has made significant contributions to both cancer science and the training of future leaders in metastasis research—addressing a critical societal challenge with long-term implications for patient care and innovation in oncology.
EVOMET was launched to address this critical gap. As a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, EVOMET combined cutting-edge metastasis research with interdisciplinary, international training for 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs). The project applied an integrative approach, combining single-cell omics, in vivo models, functional genomics, and clinical data to dissect the fundamental mechanisms that govern metastatic progression and treatment resistance.
The specific objectives of EVOMET were to:
- Identify founding cancer cell clones that drive metastatic dissemination and therapeutic resistance, and characterize their molecular profiles;
- Dissect tumour–stroma interactions and their role in shaping the metastatic niche;
- Investigate the transition from metastatic latency to overt metastasis;
- Elucidate the cellular dynamics, plasticity, and interconversions that drive metastatic outgrowth in distant organs.
Conclusions of the action:
EVOMET has successfully met its objectives, generating novel insights into metastasis biology and establishing new proof-of-concept models for therapeutic intervention. Tangible outcomes include 15 peer-reviewed publications (with more in preparation), development of innovative tools and methodologies (some with translational potential), and the training of a highly skilled cohort of ESRs who are now advancing into careers in academia, clinical research, and industry. The consortium has also laid the groundwork for continued collaboration through the follow-up doctoral network ADAPTMET, further amplifying the impact of the EVOMET initiative. By combining rigorous research with a structured and transferable training programme, EVOMET has made significant contributions to both cancer science and the training of future leaders in metastasis research—addressing a critical societal challenge with long-term implications for patient care and innovation in oncology.
From the launch of the EVOMET project to its conclusion, all activities across the eight Work Packages (WPs) were successfully implemented, in line with the objectives defined in the Description of Action. Minor timeline adjustments were made where necessary to accommodate the needs of the research and training activities, but all milestones were achieved, and deliverables were submitted as planned.
The consortium fostered a highly collaborative and productive working environment, both scientifically and in terms of training. A strong network of interaction emerged among partners, with particular emphasis on collaboration between Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), who built a vibrant peer group. This collaborative spirit was reinforced through annual consortium meetings, thematic workshops, ESR technical meetings, and a wide array of secondments, which facilitated the exchange of expertise and reinforced interdisciplinary research.
Scientific progress was achieved across scientific Work Packages, addressing the core research objectives on cancer cell fate, tumour microenvironment interactions, metastatic latency, and metastatic expansion. Results included the identification of new cellular mechanisms underlying metastatic progression and treatment resistance, the development of novel preclinical models, and insights into tumour–stroma dynamics. These outcomes have been disseminated through 15 peer-reviewed publications (and many others in preparation) and numerous conference presentations, all of which have accelerated the uptake of exploitable results within and outside the network.
Non-scientific Work Packages focused on training, dissemination, management and ethics. The full training programme was delivered, with ESRs receiving both scientific and transferable skills training via consortium-wide events and local institutional offerings. Several ESRs also contributed to academic teaching and supervised Master’s students, further enhancing their preparation for academic and non-academic careers.
The project’s dissemination and communication activities were significantly expanded in the second reporting period. Scientific findings were shared through conferences, institutional channels, and the project website. Synergies between work packages were showcased during joint sessions, publications, and the organization of the final EVOMET conference in Brussels, which highlighted the collective achievements of the consortium to both scientific and stakeholder audiences.
Finally, the successful completion of EVOMET has not only advanced metastasis research but also contributed to the formation of a skilled cohort of researchers. The collaborative foundation established in EVOMET is already continuing through follow-up initiatives, including the new doctoral network, ADAPTMET, which builds on EVOMET's scientific and training legacy.
The consortium fostered a highly collaborative and productive working environment, both scientifically and in terms of training. A strong network of interaction emerged among partners, with particular emphasis on collaboration between Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), who built a vibrant peer group. This collaborative spirit was reinforced through annual consortium meetings, thematic workshops, ESR technical meetings, and a wide array of secondments, which facilitated the exchange of expertise and reinforced interdisciplinary research.
Scientific progress was achieved across scientific Work Packages, addressing the core research objectives on cancer cell fate, tumour microenvironment interactions, metastatic latency, and metastatic expansion. Results included the identification of new cellular mechanisms underlying metastatic progression and treatment resistance, the development of novel preclinical models, and insights into tumour–stroma dynamics. These outcomes have been disseminated through 15 peer-reviewed publications (and many others in preparation) and numerous conference presentations, all of which have accelerated the uptake of exploitable results within and outside the network.
Non-scientific Work Packages focused on training, dissemination, management and ethics. The full training programme was delivered, with ESRs receiving both scientific and transferable skills training via consortium-wide events and local institutional offerings. Several ESRs also contributed to academic teaching and supervised Master’s students, further enhancing their preparation for academic and non-academic careers.
The project’s dissemination and communication activities were significantly expanded in the second reporting period. Scientific findings were shared through conferences, institutional channels, and the project website. Synergies between work packages were showcased during joint sessions, publications, and the organization of the final EVOMET conference in Brussels, which highlighted the collective achievements of the consortium to both scientific and stakeholder audiences.
Finally, the successful completion of EVOMET has not only advanced metastasis research but also contributed to the formation of a skilled cohort of researchers. The collaborative foundation established in EVOMET is already continuing through follow-up initiatives, including the new doctoral network, ADAPTMET, which builds on EVOMET's scientific and training legacy.
EVOMET has made significant progress beyond the current state of the art in metastasis research by addressing key gaps in our understanding of cancer progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. The project has identified critical mechanisms in cell fate, tumor-stroma interactions, latency, and metastasis expansion, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the metastatic process. These breakthroughs have the potential to lead to novel therapeutic targets and more effective treatments for metastatic cancer, which is responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths.
The project has fostered an environment that integrates cutting-edge scientific techniques, from genomic analyses to in vivo models, enabling ESRs to develop new methodologies that will shape future research in metastasis. Beyond its scientific contributions, EVOMET has provided ESRs with the skills necessary to thrive both in academia and the private sector, bridging the gap between research and its application in healthcare and industry.
The socio-economic impact of EVOMET is already evident, as it has prepared a cohort of highly skilled scientists equipped to tackle global challenges in cancer research and drug development. Furthermore, the project has cultivated strong collaborations across academic, clinical, and industrial sectors, ensuring the translation of findings into real-world applications. The project’s final conference, which attracted stakeholders from various sectors, highlighted the broader societal implications, including the potential for early intervention and personalized treatments in metastatic cancer, ultimately aiming to reduce cancer mortality rates and improve patient outcomes globally.
The project has fostered an environment that integrates cutting-edge scientific techniques, from genomic analyses to in vivo models, enabling ESRs to develop new methodologies that will shape future research in metastasis. Beyond its scientific contributions, EVOMET has provided ESRs with the skills necessary to thrive both in academia and the private sector, bridging the gap between research and its application in healthcare and industry.
The socio-economic impact of EVOMET is already evident, as it has prepared a cohort of highly skilled scientists equipped to tackle global challenges in cancer research and drug development. Furthermore, the project has cultivated strong collaborations across academic, clinical, and industrial sectors, ensuring the translation of findings into real-world applications. The project’s final conference, which attracted stakeholders from various sectors, highlighted the broader societal implications, including the potential for early intervention and personalized treatments in metastatic cancer, ultimately aiming to reduce cancer mortality rates and improve patient outcomes globally.