A research team from the International Center for Anti-Cancer Vaccine Research (ICCVS) at the University of Gdansk is conducting advanced research on a new lung cancer therapy, where lymphocytes isolated from the patient’s blood will play the role of a drug. “This therapy is tailored to each patient. We select a different type of cell for each patient,” says Prof. Natalia Marek-Trzonkowska. The SWIFT project is closer to the start of the clinical trial phase, made possible through funding from the Polish Science Foundation’s European Funds for the Modern Economy (FENG) program under the International Research Agenda (MAB).
According to data from the National Cancer Register, more than 22,000 people in Poland are diagnosed with lung cancer annually, with an increasing trend. It is currently the most commonly detected cancer in men and the second most common in women (after breast cancer). It is also the leading cause of death among oncology patients. Lung cancer remains a considerable therapeutic challenge for doctors. Prof. Marek-Trzonkowska and her team are leading advanced research on personalized therapy for non-small cell lung cancer as part of the SWIFT project.
“The SWIFT project is a map to help us plan cell therapy for lung cancer. Our research team has developed an algorithm that can identify and isolate cancer-recognizing cells from the patient’s blood. These cells are capable of destroying the cancer,” explains Prof. Marek-Trzonkowska.
The core of the project, the lung cancer cell therapy, is currently in the animal testing phase. After this stage, preparations will commence for obtaining all necessary permits to launch phase one of clinical trials.
In parallel, SWIFT researchers are also working on developing therapeutic cancer vaccines and new diagnostic and prognostic tests in oncology. The University of Gdansk received 30 million PLN from the FENG 2021-2027 program to undertake the SWIFT project. “These funds will be used to conduct research and development activities and to start a clinical trial,” says Izabela Raszczyk, administrative director at ICCVS.
The FENG MAB action supports specialized world-leading research teams conducting top-level international scientific research. The Foundation for Polish Science notes that the MAB FENG not only contributes to scientific development in Poland but also benefits society and economy, supporting international scientific cooperation and attracting talents from abroad.
“Two of our project’s research teams are currently led by researchers from Poland. The other two are led by scientists from abroad who have chosen to conduct their research here in Poland, at our center,” adds Izabela Raszczyk.
