Progress Beyond the State of the Art
VAGABOND has significantly advanced pediatric cancer research by:
Identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets across eight difficult-to-treat pediatric cancers.
Developing innovative preclinical models, including 3D tumor cultures and single-cell transcriptomics.
Pioneering novel immunotherapy strategies, such as dual-target CAR-T and TCR therapies, to enhance treatment efficacy and overcome tumor resistance.
Enhancing liquid biopsy approaches, enabling non-invasive monitoring of chemotherapy resistance and paving the way for personalized treatment strategies.
Expected Results Until the End of the Project
By the conclusion of VAGABOND, the project aims to:
✅ Refine and validate preclinical models to facilitate the transition of promising therapies into clinical testing.
✅ Strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations between academia, industry, and hospitals to accelerate drug development.
✅ Disseminate findings through high-impact publications, scientific conferences, and engagement with regulatory bodies.
✅ Equip ESRs with critical expertise, ensuring a lasting impact on future pediatric oncology research and clinical translation.
Potential Socio-Economic and Societal Impact
The project's impact extends beyond academia, with significant socio-economic and societal benefits:
- Accelerated drug development: By streamlining target validation and therapy optimization, VAGABOND contributes to reducing the time and cost of developing treatments for pediatric cancers.
- Improved patient outcomes: The identification of novel, personalized therapeutic approaches has the potential to increase survival rates and reduce long-term treatment side effects in children.
- Economic benefits: Strengthening collaboration between research institutions, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical partners fosters innovation-driven economic growth and reinforces Europe's position in pediatric oncology research.
- Training the next generation: The project has successfully prepared highly skilled researchers who will continue to drive innovation in translational medicine, precision oncology, and drug development.
