NeuroNanoTher – NeuroNanoTher

High grade gliomas (HGG) remain incurable despite an incredible number of innovations translated at the bedside in recent years, hence are a major health concern in the EU. We need new technologies for local deciphering of tumour heterogeneity and of the peritumoral uncharted microenvironment that we know is key for treatment efficiency. We also need to deliver locally personalised therapy to extend the survival of patients.
The project proposes an innovative theranostic micro-nanorobotic solution which combines nanotechnology and neurosurgery, aiming to personalise HGG treatment through precise tumour sampling and targeted therapy local delivery. The interdisciplinary consortium combines a leading company that will industrialise the device, and expert academic groups in the field of nanotechnology, neurosurgery, neuro-oncology and microenvironment biology from 3 European countries.
A microrobot prototype following the European medical device regulation will be built integrating a theranostic nanoporous platform: (i) local brain imprinting compatible with next generation sequencing and single cell analysis (ii) local highly efficient transfection of the annotated brain drivers. Functional efficacy and biocompatibility will be validated. The use of innovative and relevant preclinical models will decrease dramatically the need for animal lives. The project follows a Responsible Research and Innovation strategy including ethical-by-design and close contact with patients’ association and stakeholders of the domain. Neurosurgical operability will be validated as well as safety, aiming to validate all the prerequisites mandatory for the submission of a pilot first in human trial at the end of the project.
This project is significant for EU society as it could improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with HGG. The successful implementation and future industrialization of this technology could pave the way for novel treatments in neuro-oncology.