Trapping circulating tumor cells to develop prognostic biomarkers and novel anti-metastatic strategies in lung cancer “Trap4Cure”

This project aims to develop innovative tools and therapies to monitor and block metastasis in lung cancer. We propose the use of a novel function-based device—the CXCL12-loaded hydrogel (CLG)—designed to selectively capture highly metastatic CD133⁺CXCR4⁺ circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The main objectives are: 1) To validate new prognostic tools for rapid and easy monitoring of metastatic CTCs in lung cancer patients; 2) To establish preclinical models from captured CTCs for in depth characterization; 3) To provide proof-of-concept for the targeted use of NK cell-based immunotherapy against the root of metastasis.