PhotoCan.
Description: This SEP subsidy will contribute to a resubmission of the PhotoCan proposal in which the uptake of a new detection platform in existing population-based screening programmes in Europe is the overarching goal. PhotoCan will contribute to the screening and early detection of cancer via the electrochemical detection of cancer (epi)genetic biomarkers. Those biomarkers are increasingly discovered and validated, but the applicability in everyday medical practice requires low-cost, rapid, accurate and sensitive detection devices. To achieve this, the combined use of electrochemical detection with light-triggered sensor technology for the specific and sensitive detection of preselected cancer (epi)genetic biomarkers is proposed. The application of this technology with single and multiplexing capabilities aims to advance and integrate the technology into prototypes demonstrated in a relevant environment both for screening of colorectal cancer (high incidence) and point-of-care testing of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (low incidence). Via the involvement of oncologists, lab technicians, healthcare professionals, citizens (healthy and patients), screening programmes and health policy makers, PhotoCan will address the implementation requirements from the onset, leading to maximal uptake in existing population-based screening programmes, the creation of new EU-wide screening programmes and the creation of risk-based point-of-care early detection strategies for low incidence, deadly cancers. This SEP grant will be used to appoint a scientist to 1) establish a stronger network with more partners from different EU countries, characterized by different uptake numbers in population-based screening programmes, 2) perform experiments to detect cancer (epi)genetic biomarkers to have a stronger case inviting stakeholders in the field (screening programmes) and 3) coordinate the huge efforts to come to a resubmission, also addressing the feedback from the previous submission.
Funder: Vlaamse regering
Funding type: grant
Funder scheme: BOF - projects
Start date: 2023-06-01
End date: 2025-05-31
Investigators: Karolien De Wael, Guido Van Camp
Institution: UAntwerpen
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: vlaamse-f706cff3-a577-4415-bcd2-4e3588ba02a9
OpenAlex ID: G5759780872