Mechano-modulation of cancer microenvironment to optimize nano-immunotherapy

Authors Details

Fotios Mpekris, Myrofora Panagi, Antonia Charalambous, Chrysovalantis Voutouri, Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos

Research Unit

Tumor Mechanopathophysiology Lab & Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Description

Inefficient drug delivery to tumors can reduce dramatically treatment efficacy and thus, affect negatively the life of cancer patients. This is particularly evident in desmoplastic cancers where interactions among cancer cells, stromal cells and the fibrotic matrix cause tumor stiffening and accumulation of mechanical forces that compress tumor blood vessels. Indeed, in subsets of pancreatic cancers and sarcomas, 95% of intra tumoral blood vessels may be compressed and up to 80% totally collapsed leading to reduced blood flow (hypo-perfusion) and drug delivery. Hypo-perfusion also leads to hypoxia that helps cancer cells evade the immune system and increase their invasive and metastatic potential. Use of mechanotherapeutics and ultrasound sonopermeation are two mechano-modulation strategies that separately have been employed to treat vascular abnormalities in tumors. Even though these strategies have reached the clinic, their promise has yet to be realized by cancer patients owning to limitations of the methods. In our project these strategies are not uniquely complement each other and have not only additive, but highly multiplicative synergistic effects on modulating the desmoplastic tumor microenvironment and improving the efficacy of nano-immunotherapy. We employed a mixture of cutting-edge computational and experimental techniques. We performed in vivo mice studies in breast cancers and sarcomas and showed that these mechano-modulation strategies can be combined to improve treatment efficacy, prevent metastasis and increase survival. Our project introduce novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of drug resistant tumors leading to better therapies.

CAT-BRAIN

Authors Details

Fofi Constantinidou, Ioulia Solomou

Research Unit

Centre for Applied Neurosciences, Department of Psychology University of Cyprus

Description

Cognitive Rehabilitation is a form of therapy designed to enhance brain function which may be impaired due to injury or disease. It involves specific exercises that improve vital cognitive skills like memory, problem-solving, and other aspects of critical thinking necessary for everyday activities. CAT-BRAIN introduces an innovative approach to CR by offering a digital platform tailored for healthcare professionals. This platform incorporates the Categorization Program© (CP), a comprehensive hierarchical cognitive rehabilitation program. This program focuses on a structured, progressive approach to rehabilitation that emphasizes decision-making, memory enhancement, categorization, problem-solving, and executive functioning. The program was created by Professor Fofi Constantinidou who owns the copyrights. Furthermore, the Categorization Program© is registered with the copyright office of the US Library of Congress since 2006.

InvasiCell

Authors Details

Paris Skourides, Adonis Hadjigeorgiou, Neophytos Christodoulou

Research Unit

Cell and Developmental laboratory, Department of Biological Science

Description

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, with metastasis accounting for over 90% of cancer-related deaths. However, many aspects of the metastatic cascade and its molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. While cancer research is advancing rapidly there has been a notable shift from traditional 2D cell cultures and animal models to 3D in vitro cancer research platforms. Specifically, although in vivo models better represent the complexity of metastasis, they are costly, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and pose ethical challenges. In vitro assays, on the other hand, offer better control over experimental conditions and enable precise quantitative analysis. However, currently available in vitro models lack physiological relevance and fail to fully capture the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME plays a critical role in cancer progression, metastasis, and treatment outcomes. As a result, there is a growing demand for more physiologically relevant in vitro models to study tumor progression and evaluate anti-cancer drugs. To address this, we developed InvasiCell, a novel device that replicates the TME and enables the study of cancer progression while evaluating potential anti-cancer medications. InvasiCell holds significant promise as a standard tool for cancer research, a platform for reliable anti-metastatic drug screening, and potentially as a diagnostic tool. It can be introduced to three major markets: 1) academic and research institutions, 2) pharmaceutical companies, and 3) the diagnostic industry. InvasiCell could revolutionize the way we study and treat cancer, offering a more relevant and practical model for understanding tumor progression and developing effective therapies.

Music informed psychoeducational program for the inclusive development of soft skills in Higher Education

Authors Details

Georgia Panayiotou, Marios Theodorou, Potheini Vaiouli, Thekla Constantinou

Research Unit

Center for Applied Neuroscience/Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology Laboratory.

Description

Higher Education (HE) instructors and industry partners and employers alike, underscore that while university graduates are well educated in their specific scientific field, they often lack core competencies that would allow them to thrive in the real world and adapt effectively to the work environment. “Soft” skills like the ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, cope with stress, resolve conflict, assert one’s wishes, make effective decisions, and regulate one’s emotions and behaviors are often lacking. HE settings, by constituting the transition between schooling and work/adult life, are the natural setting in which such skills could be effectively developed, often in collaboration with industry partners (e.g. during internships). However, many HE institutions have not developed an effective strategy for including such skills training into their curricula, while the required format and content of such programs that would serve the needs of graduates for future successful employment, personal and social wellbeing is still under-investigated. Our overall research venture, funded by 2 Erasmus+ projects, aimed to develop and test across 5 EU universities a comprehensive program for the development of soft skills, mainly socio-emotional skills, in higher education settings, and test the feasibility of implementation in different systems and educational environments. We developed a psychoeducational program, focused on a set of skills that emerged as most critical from focus groups and consultations with stakeholders across 5 EU countries. We also tested various forms of implementation and educational aids (e.g. use of music, and digital means) to make the program acceptable, feasible, and inclusive.

Aesthesis - Rapid gas-phase detection of bacterial infections

Authors Details

Chrysafis Andreou / Christoforos Panteli

Research Unit

Nanotechnology Image and Detection Laboratory, EMPHASIS Research Centre, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

CyLabs Ltd

Description

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a global healthcare challenge affecting 150 million people annually. These infections can be fatal. In the EU alone, 4 million hospital-acquired cases are reported annually, with 20-30% deemed preventable. Beyond the human impact, the economic burden of UTIs is estimated at US $1.6 billion per year. The current standard for diagnosis, the urine dipstick test, provides rapid results within 1-2 minutes but lacks specificity and is prone to inaccuracies. In contrast, the clinical standard, the pathogen cultures, offer precise identification but require 24-48 hours and specialized expertise. During this waiting period, broad-spectrum antibiotics are often administered, contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Our innovation aims to revolutionize UTI diagnostics. We have invented a solution that slashes the current detection protocol from 48 hours to less than 10 hours and identifies UTI-related pathogens. We have integrated electronic gas sensors within culture dishes to continuously monitor the bacterial growth through their gas emissions. Using an advanced statistical methodology, we can detect changes in the signal and therefore infection in the sample with immense efficiency and accuracy. We are developing a next-generation smart incubator that will transform pathogen diagnostics. Our device will maintain the accuracy of traditional culture methods while automating and drastically accelerating the pathogen detection and identification process. Designed for hospitals and laboratories worldwide, this solution will enhance patient care, reduce the costs associated with UTIs, and play a critical role in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Pathogen Contamination Investigation Digital Twin

Authors Details

Demetrios Eliades, Marios Kyriakou, Stelios Vrachimis, Marios Polcycarpou, Christos Panayiotou

Research Unit

KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence

Description

PathoINVEST is a software tool developed to enhance the response capabilities of water utilities during pathogen contamination events in drinking water networks. It offers real-time modeling of contamination, enabling effective emergency response and informed decision-making. PathoINVEST uses computational models for contamination spread prediction, health risk assessment, and contamination source identification. It also provides actionable mitigation strategies, including valve manipulation, booster disinfection, and system flushing, and assists in optimal water quality sensor placement. PathoINVEST was developed as part of the H2020 PathoCERT Project which was coordinated by the KIOS CoE, University of Cyprus, in collaboration with KWR (NL), and was demonstrated in 5 full-scale exercises. PathoINVEST received the "Digital Water Award" from Water Europe in 2024.

A nanoparticle for targeting Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Authors Details

Dr. Yiota Gregoriou

Research Unit

Department of Biology

Description

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of cancer, accounting for 10-15% of all breast cancer cases and characterized by high metastasis rates. Current treatment options for TNBC are limited, with chemotherapy being the primary approach. However, chemotherapy is associated with toxic side effects and increasing drug resistance. Given the high unmet medical need, there is a significant demand for more targeted therapies. We have developed and patented (US Patent application - US20210378978) a novel therapeutic nanoparticle specifically designed to target TNBC. This nanotechnology-based drug delivery system selectively targets TNBC cells while reducing the systemic cytotoxicity typically caused by chemotherapy. By exploiting the overexpression of p-glycoprotein in TNBC cells, we created a nanocargo system using biodegradable, biocompatible materials, including Pluronic F127, Vitamin E TPGS, and Resveratrol—each with known anticancer properties. Our nanocarrier can deliver both therapeutic and diagnostic agents, such as an anticancer drug and coumarin-6, enabling simultaneous treatment and diagnosis. Studies have shown that this system offers superior uptake and specificity to TNBC cells compared to control epithelial cells, significantly improving treatment efficacy. Importantly, our nanocarrier does not enter healthy cells, mitigating the harmful side effects associated with chemotherapy. This innovation offers a promising solution for treating TNBC by delivering targeted, effective, and safer therapies. The technology could also be adapted for use with various therapeutic and diagnostic agents, making it a versatile tool in cancer treatment.