Project description
Radionuclide therapy with a real-time look at effects on structure and function
Our understanding of normal functioning and disease processes has been exponentially boosted by advances in imaging techniques. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) uses gamma rays to provide 3D images of the distribution of radioactive tracers injected in our bloodstream over time. It helps clinicians take a non-invasive look at how our organs and cells are functioning. When integrated with X-ray computed tomography (CT), exquisite anatomical detail can be correlated with the functional information. This combination benefits treatment, as well as diagnosis. Yet, until now, it was not possible to use it during therapy but only after the fact. The EU-funded INSPECT project is bringing SPECT/CT technology into the treatment room using radiotherapy of liver cancer as a starting point.
Objective
Current SPECT/CT scanners are not suitable for guiding interventional procedures involving the administration of radionuclides in a patient. These scanners are too large and not flexible enough to smoothly integrate into the intervention room. Hence, the radionuclide distributions obtained in these procedures can currently only be evaluated after the interventional procedure is finished, resulting in sub-optimal treatment outcomes. To address this problem, we have developed a SPECT/CT scanner optimized for use in the intervention room so that the monitoring of the radionuclides can instead be done ‘live’ during the procedure. For one specific interventional procedure in which radionuclides are injected, radioembolization for the treatment of liver cancer, our interventional scanner can: 1) improve tumor kill by real-time feedback on the tumor doses, 2) minimize adverse effects by early detection of unwanted targeting of healthy tissue, 3) improve patient comfort by shortening the procedure, and 4) as a result reduce the cost for society. Fundamental research for the development of the interventional scanner was performed in the previously granted ERC CoG. In this ERC Proof of Concept, we will investigate the commercialization of our device. This will be achieved by initiating three routes in parallel: 1) demonstrating the scanner performance in a promising interventional radionuclide therapy treatment (radioembolization), 2) determining our intellectual property rights position and strategy, and 3) performing a thorough market and competitor analysis with feedback from the market. These results will be combined to form a business strategy for commercialization with which to engage with commercial partners. These actions could result in the mass-production of the interventional scanner, which can benefit thousands of patients worldwide.
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.
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.
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology liver cancer
- natural sciences chemical sciences nuclear chemistry radiation chemistry
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
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.
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-PoC
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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.
3584 CX Utrecht
Netherlands
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.