In this FAQ section, you will find answers to common questions about the goals, technologies, scientific breakthroughs, and potential impacts of these projects. Whether you are a researcher, clinician, patient, or simply interested in the future of cancer therapy, we hope this information provides valuable insights into how FRINGE is poised to transform the future landscape of cancer treatment.
General information
FRINGE is an EU-funded project aimed at developing a radically new cancer therapy by combining the advantages of photomedical therapies and neutron-based therapies.
FRINGE primarily targets deep-lying tumors such as aggressive brain cancers, which are difficult to treat with existing therapies.
Technology and approach
FRINGE uses chemical agents known as photosensitisers (PS), which accumulate preferentially in tumors. These PSs contain metal centres like Gadolinium (Gd), which interact with incoming neutrons and via energy transfer from the Gd core to the PS reactive oxygen species are generated that kill tumor cells.
Gadolinium in the PS facilitates the interaction with neutrons. This process generates reactive oxygen species that can kill tumor cells. Additionally, Gd can induce gadolinium neutron capture therapy through ionizing radiation. Finally Gd can serve as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging, potentially making FRINGE a theranostic modality.
Implementation and future prospects
FRINGE may contribute to the cure of difficult to cure or incurable cancers, or with repeated applications it could manage the conditions giving an increased survival benefit.
The project is in the phase of establishing experimental proof-of-principle. This involves laboratory tests and preliminary studies to validate the proposed therapy approach.
The clinical therapy will involve the administration of a bespoke photosensitiser to the patient and then application of an external neutron beam tuned to the specific depth of the tumor.
FRINGE is currently in the research and development phase. it may take a few years before it can be tested in clinical trials and become widely available for patient treatment.
Additional information
The project team includes nuclear physicists, synthetic chemists, photochemists, photobiologists, medical physicists, quantum chemists, and radio-oncologists. This interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for the success of FRINGE.
You can follow FRINGE on Twitter and other social media platforms for the latest updates and announcements regarding the project’s progress.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official FRINGE project website or contact the project team directly through their provided communication channels.