Breakthrough for nanomedical cancer research at TCD
Scientists develop technology for detection, treatment of tumors
TechLife | 09 Apr 2010 :
TCD scientists based at the Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), TCD School of Medicine, in collaboration with CRANN, will lead a pan-European team that has attracted funding worth approximately €12 million, to develop a cutting edge nanotechnology process which will enable the early and rapid diagnosis of most common cancer types.
Through European Framework Programme 7 (EU-FP7) funding, the scientists aim to create advanced medical diagnostic devices, enabled by nanotechnology, specifically targeted at the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The potential of these devices to provide a large volume of specific data in a given period for the detection of the diseases, it is said, will have a radical impact on the next generation of simple, cost effective diagnostic testing in clinical, laboratory and patient care.
Prof Yuri Volkov, the principal investigator in the Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM) and CRANN, has been awarded the scientific leadership and coordination of a large scale EU-FP7 project in nanomedicine for a four-year period. TCD Professors Dermot Kelleher, School of Medicine, John Michael D. Coey, School of Physics and CRANN, and Yurii Gounko, School of Chemistry and CRANN are also collaborators in this project.
Commenting on the significance of this initiative, Prof Dermot Kelleher, head of School of Medicine and IMM Director, said: "The funding of this EU-FP7 project has several implications as it benchmarks Irish leadership in the cutting edge field of nanomedicine. It clearly demonstrates the power and importance of close interdisciplinary collaboration established between the two leading TCD research institutes, IMM and CRANN. The involvement of UCD research team led by Prof Ken Dawson emphasises the collaboration between TCD and UCD in the Innovation Alliance. The critical importance of the research programme is that it brings 21st century experience and know-how in nanotechnology to bear on some of the most important questions in human medicine relating to diagnosis and treatment of cancer. IMM is strategically positioned on the premises of St. James's Hospital campus and we are looking forward to the time when our patients here will benefit from these innovative technologies".
In welcoming the announcement Barry O'Leary, CEO IDA Ireland congratulated all the participants noting that "This is a significant vote of confidence in the Irish innovation and research ecosystem which will help increase the attractiveness of Ireland as an investment location."
Pictured (l-r): Prof Dermot Kelleher, head School of Medicine and IMM Director; Prof Yuri Volkov, IMM and CRANN; and Dr Adriele Prina-Mello, CRANN