Projects

Cancer incidence is increasing because of the polluted environment and an unhealthy life style. The increased incidence has also been noticed in brain tumours, among them the most malignant form, glioblastoma.

This cancer is very agressive (the average life expectancy of patients with glioblastoma is one year).

Because of resistance to conventional and also modern treatment approaches the research should be focused in searching for new molecular targets and biomarkers in order to improve diagnosis and prediction of treatment response and prognosis. During this project the focus will be held on glioma stem cells and their role.

Recent scientific research has shown that these cells are responsible for tumour growth and expansion and probably even recidives.

Results of these activities will contribute to new forms of important diagnostic (staging of disease, predicted response to treatment) and potential therapeutic tools. A new biobank with tumour samples for mutual use will be created as well as an international network of health institutions and research centres. One of the project's main goals is also to establish a long-term collaboration among project partners. 

The principal investigator of the project is Prof. Dr. Tamara Lah Turnšek. Other partners from Slovenia besides NIB are:

•  University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty, Institute of Pathology
•  University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Centre for Molecular Biology,
•  University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Department of Neurosurgery,

 

Project partners from Italy:

•  University Hospital in Udine, 
•  Synchrotron Trieste and Health
•  Social Company from Chioggia.