BASIC DATA OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT

• ARRS code: J3-3083
• TITLE: Vascularization and vascular effects as predictive factors for local ablative techniques
• PROJECT LEADER: Prof. Gregor Serša
• DURATION: 1.10.2021 - 30.9.2024
• APPLICANT RESEARCH ORGANISATION: INSTITUTE OF ONCOLOGY LJUBLJANA
• PARTICIPATING RESEARCH ORGANISATIONS:  UNIVERSITY MEDICAL
  CENTRE LJUBLJANA and THE FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
• FINANCING: Slovenian Research Agency

Background

Vascularization of tumors and vascular effects of local ablative techniques in treatment of cancer have been extensively investigated, but available tools have several drawbacks, i.e. either being very localized, or lack resolution or use radioactive substances. With advent and development of optical techniques, several tools have been developed that can evaluate the vasculature, vascular perfusion and even several metabolic parameters. At the current stage, these techniques need integration into non-invasive multiparametric investigation of tumors. In this project, we will integrate spectral, laser speckle and thermal (SLST) imaging into one compact system and translate its use for the evaluation of vascularization of different tumor types. First, we intend to adapt the system for imaging of cutaneous tumors as well as mucosal tumors where an endoscopy-based system will be developed. Next, we will implement this method, first to analyze the vascularization pattern of different tumor histotypes. The SLST imaging and analysis of tumors will be implemented in experimental tumors as well as on tumors in human and veterinary oncology. This will give rise to a dendrogram based on tumor type specific descriptors. Second, we will implement SLST imaging and analysis to determine vascular effects of ablative techniques, such as radiotherapy and electrochemotherapy. Analysis will be done in timely intervals before and after treatment, again, of experimental tumors as well as on tumors in human and veterinary oncology. The acquired data, integrated quantitative analysis, and comparison of the data will enable the determination of the vascular characteristics and vascular effects of radiotherapy or electrochemotherapy. Based on the analyses we could establish that SLST analysis of tumors provides parameters that would be potential predictive factors for the ablative techniques.