The invention by the Wrocław crew was awarded the most prestigious awards of the 63. Brussels Innova, the International Exhibition of Invention, Research and New Technologies. The November event dedicated to technology transfer and implementing new solutions hosted presentations of over 300 solutions, prepared by specialists from 14 countries.
Wrocław Research Centre EIT+ signed up with a project entitled: "Method of detecting decreased susceptibility to anti-cancer adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer". It was developed by the staff of Wrocław Medical University's Institute and Department of Histology and Embriology: Prof. Marzenna Podhorska-Okołów, Agnieszka Gomułkiewicz, Ph.D., Mateusz Olbromski M.S. and Prof. Piotr Dzięgiel. The crew from Wrocław was supported by scientists from Krakow and researchers from Singapore. It took almost 2.5 year to complete the project.
The research pertained to determining the PIP gene expression level in a breast cancer cell. It is from gene's expression level, i.e. its activity that the protein activity depends - higher expression level means increased activity of a protein. Assessment of this expression allows to divide patients in two groups. High activity level provides good prospects in case of adjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer. With low levels, on the other hand, it is clear that the therapy method needs to be changed, and a more effective solution needs to be implemented.
"Unfortunately, we still don't know the mechanisms that influence the expression level" explains Prof. Piotr Dzięgiel from Wrocław Medical University.
Wrocław researchers' invention was awarded in Brussels also by Taiwan Invention Association.
The results may be used in researching the effects of cancer therapy in other organs.
The research was conducted in EIT+ , as a part of a project entitled "Biomem - Biotechnologie i zaawansowane technologie medyczne" Biotechnologies and advanced medical technologies]."A patent application is now ready with regard to this project. The idea is that research conducted under the auspices of the EIT+, and its results and other effects, are to be commercialized. I hope this will also be the case of our enterprise" adds Prof. Piotr Dzięgiel.
