Imaging of mechanism-driven biomarkers to develop and monitor precise therapies for pancreatic cancer (PDAC) subtypes (C09)

• Subject Area: Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy, Radiobiology
• Term: from 2009 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 68647618

We aim to connect mechanism-driven biomarkers with innovative imaging technologies to define precise therapies for PDAC subgroups using a comprehensive platform of PDAC models, which mimic relevant aspects of the human disease. We will identify combination therapies that are highly synergistic with PI3K/AKT blockade and induce tumor shrinkage in a PDAC subtype with PI3K activation and high glucose uptake, which can be stratified by 18F-FDG-PET. Further, we will develop imaging technologies to annotate the MYC status and to use this information to stratify and monitor precision therapies for a PDAC subtype characterized by high MYC expression.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 824: Imaging for Selection, Monitoring and Individualisation of Cancer Therapies
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Dieter Saur; Professor Dr. Günter Schneider