The general objective of the VAGABOND project is to create a multidisciplinary and multisectoral program aimed at extending the technical-scientific knowledge of young researchers with the final aim of developing an efficient approach for the validation of new combinations of target-specific drugs in pediatric cancers.

In Europe, 25% of children diagnosed with cancer die from a relapse of the disease, usually after intensive treatment. And of the children who are recovered, more than 70% experience serious late effects, ranging from psychological problems to heart failure and secondary cancers. This demonstrates the clinical need for the development of new targeted drugs that are less toxic and more effective for improving quality of life.

The general objective of the VAGABOND project is to create a multidisciplinary and multisectoral program aimed at extending the technical-scientific knowledge of young researchers with the final aim of developing an efficient approach for the validation of new combinations of target-specific drugs in pediatric cancers. In particular, issues related to the study of the epigenetic characteristics of these tumors and to the typing of the immune microenvironment will be addressed.

The Laboratory of Experimental Oncology hosts a young European researcher, recruited under the "MSCA-ITN-2020-Innovative training network" programme.

Project: VAGABOND - Validation of Actionable Genomic ABerrations in a paediatric for Doctorate students
Acronymo: VAGABOND
Funding Program: Innovative Training Networks (ITN)
Tender notice: H2020-MSCA-ITN-2020
Topic: MSCA-ITN-2020-Innovative training networkCall: H2020-MSCA-ITN-2020
Duration: 01/12/2020-30/11/2024
Coordinator: Prinses Máxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie B.V. (PMC) 
Coordinator Scientific IOR: Katia Scotlandi
Budget IOR:  212.699,68 €

Research project about Ewing's sarcoma, one of the most common primary bone tumors and mainly affects children and young adults.

It is a tumor which, despite the efforts made, still has cognitive and clinical needs to solve, and requires a research path in order to improve patient care, with particular attention to the more aggressive forms.

The project investigates molecules (RNA/proteins) hypothesized as the main responsible for the dynamics associated with the metastatic process.

Through the use of preclinical models capable of representing the genetic and epigenetic complexity of human Ewing's sarcoma, the project aims to study the processes that regulate the trafficking, localization and function of these molecules both at the intracellular level and within of extracellular vesicles, in order to identify new therapeutic targets.

The ultimate goal is the definition of new pharmacological treatments to be offered to oncologists who treat patients with this pathology

Project: AIRC - Accelerating biomarkers and targeted therapy development in metastatic Ewing sarcomas: focus on tumor cell plasticity.

Acronym: AIRC IG2019 Id22805

Call: Investigator Grant - IG 2019 YEAR 2019

Funding body: FONDAZIONE AIRC

Duration: 01/01/2020-01/04/2025

Principal Investigator: Katia Scotlandi

Total funded: 1.050.000,00€