TumorOUT

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is among the top six leading causes of death worldwide. Current treatments only enable low survival rates, highlighting the need for more efficient therapies. The cancer treatment paradigm has shifted to immunotherapies, which can double patient survival. They are based on the activation of the immune system against cancer cells, involving the whole tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the effect of this novel therapy is still limited to subsets of patients
In this context, we aim to design a personalized nano-immunotherapeutic approach, based on the use of polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating nucleic acids. These will act as antigens to immunize patients against tumor antigens and achieve the self-killing of tumor cells; and immunomodulate the TME by silencing immunosuppressor genes.
To achieve this goal, we built a consortium comprising six experienced and recognized European groups. Specifically, we have clinical oncologists, experts on lung tumors, who will determine key antigens against which to vaccinate. We have molecular biologists and polymer chemistry experts on the synthesis of antigen mRNAs. In addition, we have experts on fine characterization at nanoscale, who will characterize the nanosystems and their interaction with biologicals. We also have experts on the in vitro characterization of efficacy, who will determine which formulation will be selected for the final in vivo therapeutic efficacy test, performed by the expert partner on orthotropic lung cancer models. Last, we will complete the project by transferring the technology to facilitate its arrival to the market. At the end, we will have a validated, combined, personalized nano-immmunotherapy against NSCLC, ready to start regulatory preclinical and clinical trials.