CBmed Joins Pioneering Project ‘ATTRACT’ to Revolutionize Glioblastoma Treatment
[Vienna, September 28, 2023] – Austria’s research landscape is taking a monumental leap towards groundbreaking innovation with the Clinical Research Groups (KFG) funding program launched by the Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft (LBG). This collaborative research initiative, aimed at advancing patient-oriented and medically relevant topics, presented at a press conference the three new KFGs in the areas of cardiology, gastroenterology, and oncology. After a comprehensive call for proposals and 44 submitted applications, the three groups “Austrian Digital Heart Program”, “MOTION” and “ATTRACT” were selected.
CBmed is proud to announce its active participation in the revolutionary “Personalized targeted glioblastoma therapies by ex vivo drug screening: Advanced brain tumor therapy clinical trial” – or simply ATTRACT – a project set to redefine the future of glioblastoma treatment.
Glioblastomas, known for their poor prognosis, high morbidity, and resistance to conventional therapies, have long presented a formidable challenge. The ATTRACT project, spearheaded by an interdisciplinary consortium led by the Medical University of Vienna, in collaboration with the Medical University of Graz, the Medical University of Innsbruck, the Karl Landsteiner University / St. Pölten University Hospital, the Johannes Kepler University / Kepler University Hospital, the Danube Private University and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), recognizes the urgent need for a personalized approach to treatment.
CBmed plays a pivotal role in this transformative initiative by introducing an innovative ex vivo drug screening platform. This platform analyzes the response of patient-derived tumor cells (PDCs) to selected therapeutic agents, paving the way for precision medicine tailored to the unique biology of each patient’s tumor.
The clinical efficacy of this approach will be rigorously assessed through a prospective, multicenter, randomized phase 2 study, enrolling 240 adults newly diagnosed with glioblastoma. With the support of key organizations such as the Austrian Cancer Aid, the GPMed (Austrian Society for Pharmaceutical Medicine), and the Clinical Coordination Center of the Medical University of Vienna, the ATTRACT project stands poised to significantly enhance treatment options for glioblastoma patients.
The project also benefits from the guidance of a distinguished international Advisory Board consisting of experts in the field of oncology, including Michael Weller (University Hospital Zurich), Priscilla Brastianos (Massachusetts General Hospital), Annette Kopp-Schneider (German Cancer Research Center), Markus Zeitlinger (Medical University of Vienna), D.H. Nam (Samsung Medical Center, Seoul) and Helen Bulbeck (Chairwoman of the patient organization Braintrust, UK).
In addition to advancing treatment, ATTRACT will establish a unique biobank designed to provide essential resources for further functional and translational research. This biobank will contain patient-derived tumor cells, comprehensive clinical data, and tumor tissue samples. Researchers will apply genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic analyses, coupled with AI-driven data integration, to identify new cross-platform biomarkers, offering deep insights into the biology of glioblastoma and the foundation for innovative treatment methods.
CBmed’s participation in the ATTRACT project reflects a commitment to pushing the boundaries of glioblastoma therapy. This initiative heralds a brighter future for those facing this challenging disease, marking a significant stride in the field of personalized medicine.
About CBmed:
CBmed is a leading research center specializing in clinical and biomedical research, with a strong commitment to advancing translational research. By connecting world-class research infrastructure, scientific expertise, medical knowledge, and national and international industry partnerships, CBmed is at the forefront of innovative approaches that bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and patient care.
Click to find out more about the ATTRACT Project
Click to learn more about the selected projects and LBG funding program
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