Project description
Simplifying cancer monitoring through wearable technology
Innovative wearable technology has the potential to transform cancer detection and monitoring. Unlike traditional methods that rely on slow and expensive laboratory techniques, this technology offers a real-time, low-cost solution for tracking cancer-related circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the bloodstream. These fragments of genetic material released by cancer cells can help doctors in early diagnosis, treatment tracking and relapse monitoring. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the WHISPER project will combine smart nanomaterials, which selectively bind to cfDNA, with electrochemical sensors that convert this interaction into electronic signals. Flexible, printable electronics will ensure that the patch is comfortable for continuous wear. The proposed patch paves the way for more accessible care while advancing Europe’s goals in precision medicine and digital health.
Objective
Cancer leaves tiny fragments of genetic material, called circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), in the blood. Detecting these fragments can help doctors spot cancer earlier, track treatment, and monitor relapse. Today, tests for cfDNA rely on lab-heavy methods like PCR or sequencing, which are slow, expensive, and unsuitable for regular monitoring. The WHISPER (Wearable Hybrid Interfaces of Smart Printable Engineered Responsive nanomaterials enabling real-time cfDNA sensing for early diagnosis) project aims to change this by creating a wearable patch that can track cancer-related cfDNA in real time, directly on the body. This device combines smart nanomaterials that selectively capture cfDNA, tiny electrochemical sensors that turn this binding into an electronic signal, and flexible, printable electronics for comfortable skin wear. Unlike current tests, WHISPER works without complex equipment or sample processing, offering a continuous, low-cost, and patient-friendly alternative. By making cancer monitoring as simple as wearing a patch, WHISPER could transform early diagnosis and personalized treatment, while also advancing Europe’s goals in precision medicine and digital health.
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.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- medical and health sciences health sciences personalized medicine
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
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.