Fiber-for-life: Advanced fiber optics for cancer theranostics

It is well known that early diagnosis dramatically increases survival rates of cancers. The merging of advanced diagnostics with therapeutics (theranostics) is poised to reshape future cancer care.

Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death in the western world with a 5-year survival rate much below 10%.

This interdisciplinary programme aims to develop beyond the state-of-the-art theranostic fiber optic technology for pancreatic cancer.

Our vision is to take the next step of functionalization of optical fibers, creating a palette of novel components and methods beyond state-of-the-art.

On one hand, we take minimal invasiveness of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) based cytology to the next level by developing a complete “in-vivo cell picking platform” capable of selectively retrieving cells of interest for in-vitro single cell based omics.

In parallel, based on the highly predictive flow characteristics in microfluidics we will develop systems for in-vivo high dose local chemo-therapy,currently impossible due to toxicity to other cells. Finally, fibers will be developed for advanced imaging and phototherapy applications.

We direct our work to pancreatic cancer, but the nature of the platform will not preclude translation to other disease theranostics. Our synergies will strengthen research that is not possible without this interdisciplinary team.