Human ECM-based platform for anti-cancer drug testing - CARES (CAncer dRug tESting)

Spread and progression of the tumour plays a crucial role, through the dynamic overlap between tumour cells and the extracellular matrix. CARES brings together leading academic and non-academic experts in the fields of matrix biology, biomaterials, microfluidics and cancer research to provide an accurate tool for assessing the response of cancer cells to a variety of anticancer drugs. As a proof-of-concept, we will use breast cancer cells as a model system, with the prospect of extending the system to other cancers. extending the system to other cancers. Our ultimate goal is to develop a novel and user-friendly platform that mimics the human tumour microenvironment in early and advanced stages of cancer by resembling the human tumour microenvironment in early and advanced stages of cancer and can predict with unprecedented accuracy the response of tumour cells to response of tumour cells to cancer therapies in vivo. This will facilitate the development and testing of new drugs and narrow the gap between translational cancer research and targeted cancer therapy, which will have a significant impact on society and the economy. The ambitious scientific goal will provide the backdrop for intensive cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary training of young scientists, providing them with an excellent translational research portfolio that will enable them to succeed in both academia and industry.