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About COST Action

About
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Description

Specific Objectives To achieve the main objective described in this MoU, the following specific objectives shall be accomplished:

The Action has 6 WGs to complete its 6 Research Coordination Objectives (RCOs).

It is estimated that 3.24 million new cancer cases and 1.66 million cancer deaths will be registered across Europe in 2024 and 40,800 of these deaths are from brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancers. Despite extensive efforts in molecular biology research, advances in biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data science, brain tumours remain among the deadliest forms of cancer, resisting almost all conventional and novel treatments. To date, the behaviour of this devastating disease is not fully understood. To cure brain cancer, there are significant challenges in the early diagnosis, prognosis and patient stratification, drug development and drug resistance, and big data techniques. Addressing these challenges requires long-term continuous efforts and multidisciplinary collaboration.

This COST Action aims to significantly facilitate the translation of fundamental scientific discoveries into
better clinical treatment and management of patients suffering from brain cancer. This aim will be pursued
through the following main objectives: 1) to build a unique pan-European and multidisciplinary network
focusing on brain cancer by combining state-of-the-art knowledge and innovative techniques; 2) to promote education and training in the areas of advanced neuroscience, neuroimaging, genetics and molecular biology, big data and computational techniques for the accurate early diagnosis, prognosis, patient stratification and treatment of patients with different types of brain cancer; and 3) to build an integrated pan-European brain cancer database and biobank platform for the benefit of the research and clinical community.

Research Coordination

  • To identify and validate novel non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognostic, and recurrence of brain cancer. Biomarkers will be validated in preclinical models and independent human cohorts. Biomarker discovery for paediatric and adult will be performed separately.
  • To design advanced preclinical models to reveal the pathogenesis of brain cancer. This Action aims at a 3-Tier approach with to the culture, 3D bio-systems (organoids and bioprinting) and in vivo systems for the preclinical study of brain cancer.
  • To develop new approaches for tumour profiling and patient stratification focusing on single-cell technology. Specific efforts will be paid to the correlated patterns of the simultaneously expressed and phenotypically responsible gene dysregulation. In addition, the constant dynamic transitions of glioblastoma stem cells will be prepared for therapeutic interventions.
  • To develop novel multimodal omics data integration approaches to combine multi-site data across Europe and worldwide. In addition, to develop mathematical models for RT optimization. Moreover, to build a pan-European brain cancer database and biobank platform based on existing platforms to benefit the research and clinical community
  • To develop new therapeutic approaches and recommendations in radiotherapy. Most experts in WG5 will have a clinical background, and the research will be driven by clinical practice to maximize the clinical value of the outcomes.
  • To develop creative methods for research dissemination and exploitation to broadcast the Action’s goals and outcomes to all relevant stakeholders, including other COST science and technology networks, the wider scientific and clinical communities, patient organisations, policymakers, industry, and the general public.

Capacity Building

  • To set up a unique multicultural, transnational comprehensive research network bringing together a comprehensive collection of research and clinical experts throughout Europe and worldwide to jointly develop ideas and new initiatives in brain cancer study and beyond.
  • To strengthen the interactions among experts in multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary fields, establish and enhance research collaborations between academia and industry to advance the knowledge and discovery in the pathogenesis and progression of brain cancer.
  • To train young researchers and innovators to become the new generation of experts and leaders with creative mindsets and resilience skills in the fields of brain cancer research, molecular biology, clinical practice, and data science through a series of network activities.
  • To stimulate mobility and make better use of the potential of women researchers, and to improve the links with less research-intensive countries across Europe (i.e., ITC).
  • To act as a pan-European network helping to translate novel scientific research outcomes acquired through this Action to clinical practice (from bench to bedside), as well as reverse translational medicine (from bedside to bench).
  • To act as a bridge between scientists and stakeholders from key international organisations in brain cancer research, industry, clinical practice, patient organisations, and the general public to effectively improve brain cancer diagnosis, treatment and awareness.

DESCRIPTION OF DELIVERABLES AND TIMEFRAME

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Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Read the Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the COST Action “A COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK AGAINST BRAIN CANCER” (Net4Brain) CA22103

Areas of Expertise & Keywords

INVOLVEMENT OF STAKEHOLDERS​

The Action will remain open for new interested groups and SMEs worldwide and will recruit new participants to widen the network wherever appropriate. Moreover, all scientific events, e.g., training schools, workshops, and conferences will be made available for anyone outside the network at all stages of their career to participate.

The following stakeholders will be involved in this Action:
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2x

The Scientific Community

2023-2027

4x

The Clinical Community

2024-2027

3x

Industrial Partners

2025-2027

8x

YRIs, Postdocs and PhD students

2023-2027

8x

Patient Organisations

2025-2027

8x

Policymakers

2026-2027
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