Maribor researchers with an idea that could change cancer treatment: Developing a 'digital twin' of tumours for cannabinoid therapies

Researchers in Maribor have unveiled a groundbreaking concept that could revolutionize cancer treatment: the development of a "digital twin" of tumors for therapies involving cannabinoids. The project, known as PRECISION-ECS, has been supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC) after securing funding in a highly competitive process. This initiative aims to create a predictive platform that simulates how individual tumors respond to specific cannabinoid compounds and their combinations. The University of Maribor announced that its affiliated company, EndoVia Therapeutics, successfully convinced evaluators among thousands of applications to fund the two-year project. The total value of the grant is 491,500 euros, with 70 percent of the funds coming from non-repayable European resources. Additionally, the company received investment support from the regional venture capital fund Vesna VC. The goal is to develop a digital twin of a tumor, which would allow simulations of responses to various cannabinoid substances and their combinations. The research will initially focus on malignant melanoma, with plans to expand the platform to other types of cancer in the future. EndoVia Therapeutics was founded by researchers from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Maribor, including Dr. Jan Rožanc, Professor Uroš Maver, and Dr. Marko Milojević. According to Dr. Rožanc, who is both director and co-founder of the company, the support from the European Innovation Council confirms that knowledge generated at the University of Maribor can be developed into solutions with international potential. In the next two years, the company intends to test whether combining biological data with predictive models can more accurately identify tumors for which cannabinoid therapy might be effective. The project involves connecting live tumor models obtained from patient samples with molecular analysis and advanced computational modeling. This approach aims to move away from guesswork in cannabinoid oncology, which has long relied on assumptions rather than precise data. By creating a digital twin, researchers hope to provide personalized treatment options based on accurate predictions of tumor response to different therapeutic agents. The development of this technology represents a significant step forward in the field of precision medicine. It combines cutting-edge bioinformatics with clinical data to tailor treatments specifically to individual patients' needs. The initial phase of the project will focus on malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer that is often resistant to conventional therapies. If successful, the platform could be adapted to treat other forms of cancer, offering new hope for patients who have exhausted traditional treatment options. As the project progresses, the team will work closely with medical professionals and researchers to validate their findings through clinical trials. They aim to establish a robust framework that can be integrated into existing healthcare systems, allowing doctors to make informed decisions based on real-time data and predictive analytics. The ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes by ensuring that each individual receives the most effective treatment possible, tailored to their unique tumor profile.