Projects
Supporting the Development of the Atlas
Main project
Liquid biopsies in the service of patients, doctors and science. ID #NdS-II/SP/0398/2023/01, funded by Ministry of Science and Higher Education (Poland) for Medical University of Gdańsk (years 2024-2026, Principal Investigator: Natalia Bednarz-Knoll)
The project focuses on the application of liquid biopsies and advanced molecular imaging techniques to better understand tumor dissemination processes and improve cancer diagnostics. The primary goal is to create an open-access Atlas of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and other tumor-related cells, serving as a tool for standardizing diagnostic methods and supporting cancer research. The Atlas will include high-quality images of various classes of tumor cells, tumor-associated normal cells, blood cells and even variable artifacts, obtained using imaging flow cytometry. The project also encompasses outreach activities popularizing science in particular knowledge about tumor dissemination and liquid biopsy. The initiative is designed to support physicians, researchers, and patients by providing access to the latest discoveries in cancer diagnostics. The project’s final outcomes will include both a practical tool for the scientific community and a reliable source of knowledge for society, contributing to the advancement of modern oncology and personalized medicine. The project aligns with global efforts to leverage liquid biopsies in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.
Project
Identification of potential markers aiming early diagnostics of progression and tailoring metastasis-oriented therapies in prostate cancer, ID #2020/39/B/NZ5/01258, funded by National Science Center (Poland) for Medical University of Gdańsk (years 2021-2025, Principal Investigator: Natalia Bednarz-Knoll)
Project
Molecular and clinical characterization of keratins-based phenotypes in prostate cancer, ID #2017/26/D/NZ5/01088, funded by National Science Center (Poland) for Medical University of Gdańsk (years 2018-2023, Principal Investigator: Natalia Bednarz-Knoll)
Project
Highly Efficient Enrichment, Single-cell Analysis, and Drug Screening of Circulating Tumor Cells for Personalized Medicine (HESCAP), ID #WPC/33/HESCAP/2018, funded by National Centre for Research and Development (Poland) for Medical University of Gdańsk (years 2019-2022, Principal Investigator: Anna Żaczek)
Project
Application of single circulating tumor cell sequencing in liquid biopsies collected from ovarian cancer patients, ID #14/0059/L-11/19/NCBR/2020, funded by National Centre for Research and Development (Poland) for Medical University of Gdańsk (years 2021-2024, Principal Investigator: Anna Supernat)