AI to predict Cancer metastasis using Ultra-Echo-Sono imaging

Introduction

Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of death within tumor disease and is currently an unmet clinical need. This dramatic clinical evidence requires immediate action in terms of early diagnosis and then pre-emptive therapies, not only for the primary tumor but especially at the first stages of metastasis formation.

Mechanism of Metastasis

Metastasis is the result of a complex mechanism, still under study, which involves the trafficking of biological materials, in particular extracellular vesicles (EVs), from the primary tumor site towards other tissues.

Project Overview

The project AI CUrES aims to propose novel methodologies for early diagnosis of metastasis, by gaining new knowledge at the early stage of their formation with a real-time and predictive approach. This work has the future vision of predicting possible patient outcomes and helping to set timely pre-emptive therapies.

Exploiting Extracellular Vesicles

I believe that this is possible by exploiting the EVs specifically produced by the primary tumor, here by colorectal cancer (CRC). In AI CUrES, such EVs will be tagged by specific nanosized contrast agents and their trafficking in biological media reported by an innovative multi-modal bioimaging technology having high resolution, deep tissue penetration, real-time, and molecular characteristics.

Data Collection and Analysis

The collected images of EVs trafficking towards recipient cells or tissues will be refined and further elaborated by artificial intelligence algorithms, with the aim to predict the possible metastasis development from a starting CRC tumor mass.

Expected Outcomes

AI CUrES will prove the efficacy of this approach by enabling, as expected outcomes:

1. Deep scientific knowledge on metastasis formation mechanisms.
2. Demonstrating a breakthrough innovation in bioimaging technologies.
3. Developing digital tools for health monitoring and diagnosis of oncological patients.

Broader Impact

The results can also be useful in other tumors leading to metastasis and to empower Europe towards digital tools for predictive diagnosis.