Objective
Treatment of embryonal tumours (ET) is a challenge for the pediatric oncologist. Innovative translational research is required to exploit available genomic data and implement state-of-the-art technologies to overcome the deficits of current diagnostic and treatment strategies. We will set up a consortium of leading European institutions and SMEs with extensive clinical and technological expertise to establish a unique pipeline for the comprehensive development and validation of novel diagnostic tools in addition to efficient preclinical drug development for ET. Our holistic approach includes: 1) Validation of a chip-based diagnostic platform tailored specifically for ET including analysis of genes previously shown by the consortium to be affected in ET 2) Generation of ET-specific data on novel array-based platforms for the development of diagnostics at the microRNA and serum proteomics levels 3) Extension of an existing database designed to warehouse complete clinical and experimental data for neuroblastoma to include all ET entities 4) Implementation of a virtual ET-Biobank to improve sharing of patient samples 5) Functional characterisation of the most promising molecular targets previously identified by the partners as a foundation for entry into a drug development pipeline 6) Integration of existing disease-specific mouse models to evaluate new treatment modalities in vivo 7) Development and initial evaluation of an antibody affecting ET invasiveness 8) Application of novel bioinformatic solutions for the meta-analyses 9) Dissemination of the novel tools to researchers and clinical study centers in Europe Our coordinated effort can achieve the critical mass to facilitate the necessary integration of research capacities for translating ET genome data into significant medical progress. Involvement of clinical study centers will ensure a direct link to the bedside, aimed at improving child health and quality of life.
Fields of science
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacydrug discovery
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata science
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsproteomics
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologylung cancer
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologyskin cancermelanoma
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
FP6-2005-LIFESCIHEALTH-6
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
STREP - Specific Targeted Research ProjectCoordinator
ESSEN
Germany