EDIT

Novel precision technological platforms to promote non-invasive early diagnosis, eradication and prevention of cancer relapse: proof of concept in the bladder carcinoma.

Abstract

Unmet clinical needs in the management of bladder cancer (BCa) are the prevention of tumor onset, relapse and progression, and therapy of the aggressive carcinoma in situ (Cis), requiring weekly treatments and endless follow-up, with a consequent poor quality of life and the highest cost per patient among all cancers. Therefore, public health programs crave for early BCa detection protocols, to improve performance in the management of this devastating disease. Here we propose an advanced transformative technology termed EDIT combining a novel high-resolution ultrasound elastography and photoacoustic imaging on the bladder instilled with targeted plasmonic gold sensors. EDIT approach exploits the structural and mechanical properties of the bladder extracellular matrix (ECM) as a unique biomarker of the early onset/progression/relapse of carcinoma, through engineered novel gold nanorods (GNRs) used as intravesical photoacoustic antennas targeted at the ECM, generating an ad hoc visualization platform. GNRs will be further utilized as heat-releasing effectors at nanoscale for targeted cancer photo-thermal therapy. EDIT is designed to detect preneoplastic area and eradication of local areas at few cells resolution with high sensitivity and specificity. We bring together a multi and transdisciplinary consortium capable to develop non-invasive and non-ionizing novel technology and preclinical validation for early prognosis of BCa and therapeutic nanomedicine against bladder Cis. Outcomes of EDIT will revolutionize the management of BCa with the introduction of sensing and effector nanotechnologies combined with non-invasive organ imaging with high resolution/definition by 3D ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. Structural and mechanical modification of the ECM is a common denominator for invasive breast, colorectal, prostate and bladder cancers. EDIT platforms will also pave the ways for the earlier management of other bladder-related pathologies and solid tumors.

Project details

Unibo Team Leader: Mauro Comes Franchini

Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale "Toso Montanari"

Coordinator:
Ospedale San Raffaele S.R.L.(Italy)

Other Participants:
Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel)
FUJIFILM Sonosite B.V, (Netherlands)
ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna (Italy)
O.S.M.-Dan Ltd (Israel)
Università  degli Studi di MILANO (Italy)
Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (Italy)
LIME Technology (Greece)
Ascend Technologies Limited (United Kingdom)

Total Eu Contribution: Euro (EUR) 4.317.160,00
Project Duration in months: 48
Start Date: 01/10/2018
End Date: 30/09/2022

Cordis webpage
Project website

Good health and well-being This project contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 801126 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 801126