Autologous ECM-composed scaffolds and zebrafish PDXs for indiViduAlized Theranostics in rARe neuroendocrine neoplasms (AVATAR) - MOH GR-2019-12370014

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a rare subgroup of tumors with challenging management due to their unpredictable and heterogenous behavior. A top priority need for this rare disease is the identification of clinically useful biomarkers. AVATAR proposes the development of personalized "near patient" models based on autologous ECM scaffolds and zebrafish xenografts to study primary NEN cells with great fidelity to original tumors. These avatars will be used to identify indolent versus aggressive phenotypes and define the profile of NEN sensitivity to drugs. Data will be integrated with multi-omics analysis to discover the associated genetic and molecular fingerprints, and with clinical data to test the correlation of the identified markers with patient outcomes. AVATAR strategy will lead to i) the generation of personalized NEN models that are currently lacking ii) the discovery of prognostic and predictive markers and proof of their clinical utility.