CANBIO2

Building on our successful first CANBIO PRIDE program, we are keen to continue with this state-of-the-art training program for PhD students in cancer research in Luxembourg. This proposal takes advantage of the network and expertise generated in CANBIO1, incorporates novel scientific insight and extends towards pertinent questions in the cancer field.
Over the years, it has been recognized that cancer is not just a disease of individual cells, but rather a complete ecosystem is required to enable cancer cell growth. This tumor eco-system (TE) includes multiple players (such as tumor-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, endothelial cells) and conditions (immunosuppression, skewed nutrient supply, hypoxia), that shape a supportive tumor milieu fostering growth, plasticity and resistance to treatment.
Thus, the present application will focus on the multiple distinct facets of the tumor ecosystem and aims to identify and develop novel strategies that specifically target tumor-host interactions. To this end, the project is organized in three specific scientific work packages focusing on: (i) novel cancer models, (ii) cancer metabolism and (iii) novel treatment strategies.