BrainMap

Mr. Patriciu-Andrei Achimas-Cadariu

Phd, MSc

- UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU"

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer | PhD supervisor

Curriculum Vitae (29/04/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Metallomic modulation of membrane transporters in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells through nano-sensitizers Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de cercetare exploratorie - PCE-2021
PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-1572 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://metallomex.iocn.ro/

Abstract:

The METALLOMEx project is a fundamental biomedical research project, which proposes to apply a scientific domain in progress: metallomics, aiming to reprogram the chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells using novel metal-based nanostructures capable to re-sensitize the tumour cell. By integrative in vitro characterization of membrane transporters involved in chemoresistance, by metallomic mapping of ovarian tumour cells and by highlighting the cell death pathways induced by metal drugs such apoptosis and ferroptosis, the study will identify potential druggable targets in tumors. The study has the premises to identify predictive or prognostic biomarkers, to validate these biomarkers, to find new theranostic methods with potential for translation to clinical trials, in a cancer casuistry that severely affects the quality of life and reduces the life expectancy of many women diagnosed from Romania and from the World. The implementation of the project will be done in a medical institution with intense research activity and adequate endowments, by a multi- and interdisciplinary team of Romanian and foreign researchers with international visibility, which will make possible the adequate dissemination of results and judicious use of resources provided by the grant authority.

Artificial-intelligence-based end-to-end prediction of cancer immunotherapy response Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
ERANET-TRANSCAN-3-TANGERINE 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://tangerine.iocn.ro/

Abstract:

Cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is widely used in multiple cancer types, with proven benefits. However, response is not guaranteed, difficult to predict, and serious toxicity may occur. Predictive biomarkers for ICIs response exist, but only few of them are clinically used because they require tissue samples, are costly and increase turnaround time. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need to predict response to ICIs at patient’s

level.

Aims

TANGERINE partners have developed artificial intelligence (AI)-based histology image analysis and computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics for predicting immune features related to ICIs response. We propose to a) expand and combine them to develop and validate an end-to-end open AI tool to predict response and toxicity to ICIs; and b) identify cellular structures and image patterns associated with ICIs response that explain model predictions.

Methods

Digital images of tumour histopathology slides and CT scans will be retrieved, linked to clinical outcomes data and anonymized for analysis. An initial retrospective (2017-21) data retrieval from 1800 patients at 6 centres will continue with a prospective recruitment of 600 more to validate models. Patients that received ICls as first line for any tumour will be included and response recorded according to iRECIST. Radiomics and deep convolutional neural networks will be used. Model explainability will use spatial transcriptomics data on a subset of 30 patients. At analysis, homogenous subgroups will be considered, as gender and ethnicity.

Expected results and potential impact

TANGERINE will provide a public-available, non-invasive, low-cost tool based on routinely available images and clinical data to accurately predict ICI response and toxicity. The explanatory module might identify new patients on which ICI may be beneficial. The transnational collaboration will provide patients with enough variability to build generalizable

models.

New Targeted Optical Imaging NanoProbes for Near-Infrared (NIR) Real-Time (RT)Image-Guided Surgery of Ovarian Cancer Call name: P 4 - Proiecte Complexe de Cercetare de Frontieră
PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0142 2018 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/nanonirsurgery/home

Abstract:

Currently, a hot research topic is developing at the interface between physics, chemistry and materials science from one side and biology and medicine from other side, aiming to provide novel nano-tools for cancer treatment. However, despite advances in pre-operative imaging techniques, there is not a suitable intra-operative technique to provide real-time feedback to surgical oncologist to distinguish healthy tissue from malignant lesions and visualize submilimetrical tumor deposits. It is through a collaborative consortium gathering physicists, chemists, biochemists, biologists, oncologists, surgeons, histopathologists that this project addresses a challenging subject aiming to validate new targeted optical imaging nanoprobes for near-infrared (NIR) real-time image-guided surgery of ovarian cancer. Actually, we will develop targeted contrast agents to bind specifically to the FRα of ovarian cancer cells for enabling “visualization” of ovarian tumors by distinct optical signature in NIR. At the end of project, after their careful evaluation on ovarian cell lines /ovarian tumors xenografts / carcinomatose models, will be in position to proceed in the future as viable contrast agent in real-time image-guided ovarian cancer surgery. We focus our research effort to implement NIR optical nanoprobes containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved compounds as well to promote new related nano-compounds produced in our laboratories. Actually, the development of targeted contrast agent in the NIR wavelengths range is highly relevant and beneficial to cancer surgery as their signal does not compete with background signal of tissue emitted in visible light spectrum and, therefore, a clear and deep difference between healthy tissue and tumoral lesions can be delineated.

Advanced Innovative approaches for predictable regenerative medicine Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0782 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE IN DOMENIUL PATOLOGIEI SI STIINTELOR BIOMEDICALE "VICTOR BABES" (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://unibuc.ro/cercetare/promovarea-rezultatelor-cercetarii/proiecte-de-cercetare/proiecte-cu-finantare-nationala/65pccdi-2018/

Abstract:

Considering that HEALTH is one of the main areas of public priority, the approach of interdisciplinary researches with applicability in Regenerative Medicine can significantly contribute to improving the quality of life of patients with tissue defects. The aim of the project is to create a consortium with complementary research experience in the field of regenerative medicine, which will efficiently use the human resource and modern research infrastructures newly created for the implementation of innovative technologies, with the aim of developing and transferring the results to the economic environment. The project aims to develop new technological products in the form of biocompatible biomaterials designed for bone reconstruction (P1), nerves (P2), soft tissues (P3) and breast reconstruction after tumor resection (P4).

Intelligent system for evaluation of ovarian cancer risk Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Cecuri de inovare
PN-III-P2-2.1-CI-2018-1509 2018 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: BIOGEN S.R.L.

Project partners: BIOGEN S.R.L. (RO); INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://office25062.wixsite.com/website

Abstract:

Worldwide, in 2020 more than 280.000 new cases and 183.000 deaths are predicted, making ovarian cancer the 4th cause of cancer death in Europe. Although different tumoral markers have been considered for evaluation and prognosis over time, they were not proven useful when used singularly, being influenced by some technical interferences or possible benign pathologies, that are leading to false positive results. The project aims to test a new algorithm OncoOVAR, which combines biochemical (ASAT, ALAT. GGT, Total Bilirubin) and tumoral markers values (AFP, β-hCG, CA 19.9, CA 125, CEA, HE 4) with some co-morbidity and patient-related data. The algorithm developed by Bioprognos (Spain) has obtained the CE mark in 2017 and is based on data obtained from 4,520 patients, resulting a sensitivity of 93.5% and a specificity of 94.3%, which recommends it as the most accurate and efficient algorithm for evaluation of the ovarian cancer risk. Biogen Ltd. (project beneficiary) has obtained the right to use the Bioprognos algorithm and wishes to test its validity. The service provider - IOCN, a recognized oncological reference center, will select a group of patients with ovarian tumors detected by imagistic methods, a group of patients who have been surgically treated for ovarian cancer in the last year, and direct relatives of these patients. In the case of malignancy, the algorithm can distinguish between epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors or stromal tumors. The IOCN will analyze and correlate the results of the Bioprognos OncoOVAR algorithm with the histopathological results. Validation of the algorithm will recommend it in prevention programms and prognosis, being an innovative and cost-effective method, able to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies and hospitalization days.

Analysis of microRNA biomarkers as predictive values for cervical cancer treatment, in relationship with environmental exposure to arsenic, phthalates and ETS. Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1328 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO); CENTRUL DE MEDIU SI SANATATE S.R.L. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Project website: http://www.iocn.ro/CERCETARE/Pagini-Web-proiecte/Analysis-of-microRNA-biomarkers-as-predictive-values-for-cervical-cancer-treatment-in-relationship-with-environmental-exposure-to-arsenic-phthalates-and-ETS.html

Abstract:

Cervicall-arsen-array is an inter and multidisciplinary research project under the requirements of the program PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3. The activities under this project will be conducted during a periode of 36 month.

The acronym of the project is Cervicall-arsen-array and it would be applied to the research domain 4. HEALTH, thematic area 4.1.3 Methods of investigation and intervention based on molecular and cellular medicine, genomics and proteomics.

The research domain is cervical cancer and the project is aiming to identify new molecular targets combining the post transcriptional (miRNA) approach along with toxics exposure (arsenic, phtalathes and cotinine) and propose measurable indicators to predict the prognostic and evaluate the treatment efficiency in advanced stage IIB-IIIB of cervical cancer.

The main goal of the Project is to elaborate a prediction model for therapy response (pharmacogenomics) in patients with advanced cervical cancer (stage IIB-IIIB) based on serum genomics signature (miRNA-microarray) and to investigate if toxic exposure to mixture (arsenic, phthalates and cotinine as a ETS biomarker) could influence the treatment response.

These objectives can be accomplished by an experienced and professional multidisciplinary research team coordinated by IOCN- the Cancer Institute with high recognised experience in cell biology, functional genomics, and applied clinical research: P1- by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca- University with high research and management of clinical research programs record; P2-by Environmental Health Center Cluj Napoca – is an institution involved in research and development at national and international level. P3- Babes Bolyai University Cluj Napoca- the largest University in Romania with major contribution to multidisciplinary research.

Cervical Cancer Control for Roma and Other Disadvantaged Groups in North-Western Region of Romania Call name: EEA Research Programme under EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014
EEA-JRP-RO-NO-2013-1-0272 2013 -

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPO

Project partners: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPO (RO); Oslo Universitetssykehus HF / Kreftregisteret (NO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL ONCOLOGIC PROF.DR.I.CHIRICUTA CLUJ-NAPO (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

CerCcRom - Cervical Cancer Control for Roma and Other Disadvantaged Groups in North- Western Region of Romania Project is proposed to Health and food safety thematic area and aims to promote activities for improving life and wellbeing of Roma and other disadvantaged groups of women in population at risk of cervical cancer and will be implemented in the North Western region of Romania by the Center of Excellence in Cancer Control and Prevention from The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta” from Cluj-Napoca, Romania (IOCN) in collaboration with The Cancer Registry of Norway (Universitetssykehus HF / Kreftregisteret), Oslo, Norway.

The project propose synergistic approaches to the cervical cancer issue in Roma population and other disadvantaged groups, starting with identification and definition of population profile, prevention, early detection and treatment, surveillance performed through cancer registry, as well as applying lessons learned in improving governance in cancer control in our region. An inter-sectionality approach may provide a richer understanding of the complexities that influence women’s pathways to cervical cancer screening and assist design of regional and national programmes and policies from a social justice perspective. The project is aimed in 3 main directions: 1. To study access barriers to cervical cancer screening of Roma and other disadvantaged groups in order to build a network of access to quality controlled medical services, with relevant practical issues related to increasing awareness on availability of preventive measures, increasing accessibility and addressability to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Babes-Papanicolaou tests and to treatment facilities; 2. To build institutional capacity for increasing cancer data quality within the North-Western Cancer Registry of Romania, for a better governance in cancer health care in our region; 3. To integrate HPV Primary Screening for Roma and other disadvantaged groups in the Organized Cervical Cancer Screening Programme in the NW Region, through an HPV-integrated screening pilot focused on Roma and other disadvantaged groups. The project provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the performance of such a program in the regional public health system, which can be subsequently expanded to cover more general population groups, up to national application. Moreover, by sustaining public health system innovation, the project influences the research community by improving data accuracy as well as data availability. The partner institutions engaged in the project (IOCN and Kreftregistered) have an undeniable excellence in the field. The interest and involvement of IOCN in developing and implementing cancer prevention and control activities in our region, as well as in the whole country, is an example to be followed by other similar institutions of Romania, its expertise being recognized nationally, as well as abroad. Krefteregisterd is responsible for the national registration of all cancer cases, as well as for the population- based cancer screening for cervical cancer in the entire country, being the organization in Norway that fulfill the most the criteria for partnership in this collaboration.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects