Objectives

The overall aim of this Research and Innovation Action is to provide proof-of-principle for this new technology, that is, to show the generation of fluorescence and reactive oxygen species from photosensitive drugs after their interaction with neutrons instead of light. In addition, the project aims to validate the application of the new technology in the eradication of tumour cells and neoplastic tissues. Our specific objectives are outlined below:

  1. To synthesise a library of novel organometallic photosensitisers (porphyrines, chlorins, phthalocyanines and texaphyrins) with Gd and/or Cd cores, custom-made for use with our technology (Work Package/WP1).
  2. To perform photochemical and photobiological studies and theoretical calculations in order to fine-tune and select the photosensitisers for optimal function as part of the FRINGE technology (WP2).
  3. To theoretically calculate and optimise the set up for experiments at the JEEP II nuclear reactor (IFE) and at the TANDEM accelerator (NCSRD) in order to cover a wide spectrum of neutron energies (WP3).
  4. To implement the experimental set-ups at the two abovementioned neutron beam facilities and perform the initial proof-of-concept experiments in solutions and anthropomorphic phantoms (WP4).
  5. To validate the FRINGE technology in cell cultures (both monolayers and 3D spheroids) and biological measurements of neutron-generated fluorescence and reactive oxygen species (WP5).
  6. To pave the way for future exploitation of results through target group specific dissemination, IP management and a roadmap for exploitation (WP6).
  7. To follow an innovation management process with a rigorous risk management to guide the multi-disciplinary and highly innovative research in a truly high-risk–high-gain FET project (WP7).

FRINGE is a challenging project for cancer treatment bringing together experts from many scientific areas and different European countries. We hopefully expect that our experiments will have a successful outcome and will prove the FRINGE concept.

Konstantinos Stefanopoulos

National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos"

FRINGE is a great opportunity for accelCH to contribute to the EU`s cancer mission and to continue our collaboration with Theo and others from Lumiblast and other EU-funded projects.

 

Jeanette Müller

accelopment Schweiz AG

FRINGE got its acronym after the 2008-13 TV series. It is a concept which borders with science fiction, having, however, the potential of becoming reality and making a difference to deep lying, incurable cancers.

Theodossis Theodossiou

FRINGE Coordinator

FRINGE is an exciting idea to treat cancer with a fascinating chemistry behind it. We want to help making it possible with our simulations.

Lluís Blancafort

Universitat de Girona