Over the past four decades, the overall survival rate for cancer patients has seen significant improvements. However, some tumors still have a poorer five-year survival rate. These include lung cancer, which is the most prevalent cancer worldwide and is projected to have the highest mortality rate among all tumor types in Europe by 2040. A major barrier to improving lung cancer outcomes is the high rate of disease relapse, which occurs when a small number of cancer cells survive initial treatment, leading to the recurrence of the primary tumor. Despite the use of chemotherapy, relapse occurs in about 30% of patients with stage 1 to 3 lung cancer. Currently, there are no reliable methods to predict the risk of tumor relapse, which is typically diagnosed only after it has become radiologically evident. This limitation underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms leading to cancer relapse, which could reveal early indicators capable of predicting relapse before it becomes clinically apparent.
BuonMarrow aims to address the critical need for early detection of cancer relapse by developing BMoC-Sense, an innovative in vitro biological sensor which integrates Organs-on-Chip models, bone marrow niche simulation, and advanced biosensors. This platform will leverage bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), which act as primary sensors of hematopoietic demand triggered by tumor progression, to detect relapse risks earlier than traditional diagnostic methods. By mimicking the human bone marrow environment, BMoC-Sense will enable real-time monitoring of biological changes and the identification of key biomarkers associated with tumor relapse.
In particular, the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering – Politecnico di Milano’s research team, coordinated by Prof. Marco Rasponi, will be in charge of developing the mechanically active Organs-on-Chip necessary to build a miniaturized in vitro biological sensor capable of detecting early signs of cancer relapse through liquid biopsy samples.
The BuonMarrow project is expected to have a transformative impact on both healthcare and society by addressing the critical need for early detection of lung cancer relapse. By developing the BMoC-Sense device, BuonMarrow will create a tool capable of detecting relapse before it becomes clinically apparent, offering patients the opportunity for early and more effective interventions. This innovation is anticipated to significantly improve patient survival rates and quality of life, as earlier detection allows for more personalized treatment strategies and faster responses to cancer recurrence. Moreover, by reducing the reliance on late-stage cancer treatments, which are often costly and less effective, BuonMarrow has the potential to decrease the economic burden on healthcare systems across Europe.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101130604. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
