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| Dr Aristides Eliopoulos |
15/07/2009
A network of scientists led by the Foundation of Research & Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Greece, have been awarded a grant from the European Commission Seventh Framework Program, aiming to increase our understanding of how chronic inflammation in the body can lead to cancer. It is anticipated that this research program, code-named INFLA-CARE, for Inflammation and Cancer Research in Europe, will also lead to the development of novel approaches for the treatment and improved management of inflammation-associated malignancies, such as liver and colon cancer.
Epidemiological and experimental evidence supports a link between chronic inflammation and cancer and indicates a role for inflammatory cells in the initiation, progression and metastasis of malignancy. The objective of the collaborative integrated project INFLA-CARE is to structure a European collective of scientific and technological excellence in the field of Inflammation & Cancer which will capitalise on the available expertise and develop effective anti-inflammatory strategies and novel agents for cancer prevention and treatment. The project will specifically seek to identify molecular and cellular targets for cancer therapy through the development and systematic study of state-of-the-art pre-clinical models of inflammation-driven cancer.
By mobilising the outstanding research experience and technological capacities of the network participants, the program will accelerate the translation of knowledge obtained by basic research into new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies which will be used for the detection, prevention and improved management of several types of human cancer. INFLA-CARE will also ensure spreading of scientific excellence and dissemination of knowledge beyond the network, by encouraging innovation and transfer of knowledge and by raising public understanding of scientific and health issues. The impact of the program is therefore expected to be multi-dimensional, namely scientific, educational and innovation-related, enhancing European competitiveness and addressing major scientific issues and societal needs.
Dr Aristides Eliopoulos, who is the co-ordinator of the INFLA-CARE programme, commented: "The INFLA-CARE researchers are delighted to have received funding for this research programme. It provides us with a unique opportunity to bring together world-class experts in cancer biology, medicine and biotechnology, all working together with the aim of advancing our knowledge about how cancer develops. The ultimate goal of the project is to translate the scientific advances made in the laboratory into novel treatments that enable us to tackle cancer at a very early stage. We hope to make a real difference in the prevention and treatment of malignant disease."
INFLA-CARE integrates the core skills and expertise of researchers from a total of twenty one Institutions in Europe and Israel and is supported with 12 million euro from the European Commission for a period of 4 years.
Source: FORTH
Greece in EU R&D
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