Non-invasive Biomarker Discovery
Developing and validating biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and recurrence in pediatric and adult brain cancer.
WG1. Non-invasive Biomarker Discovery
182
Members
Dr. Leonor Cerdaal Berich
WG Leader
Dr. Aida Hajdarpasic
WG Co-Leader
Biomedical
Category
Non-invasive biomarker discovery (Theme 1) focuses on developing early diagnostic solutions for brain tumours through liquid and radiomics biomarkers. Brain biopsy is invasive and risky; therefore, this theme explores sensitive, specific, and non-invasive alternatives that complement neuroimaging and enable earlier tumour monitoring.
(1) Liquid biomarker: A wide range of circulating biomarkers — ctDNA, CTCs, EVs, miRNA, circRNA, ecDNA, and protein unfold — will be studied using advanced proteomics and sequencing methods for gliomas and meningiomas. Key biomarkers will be identified, validated, and benchmarked through multi-lab collaboration using in-silico analysis and RT-qPCR/ddPCR validation.
(2) Radiomics biomarker: Radiomics and deep learning–based imaging will analyze tumour heterogeneity and phenotype from MRI and SRH data. AI/ML models will be built for tumour grading, survival prediction, and recurrence detection. Radiogenomic studies will explore links between imaging features and gene expression (e.g., NF1, TP53). Data from sources like TCIA and TCGA will feed into a collaborative “Atlas” of cancer images through the European Cancer Imaging Initiative.
Combining liquid biopsy and radiomics insights will enable creation of multi-modal biomarkers with diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive power — accelerating clinical translation and precision medicine.
Objectives
Discover liquid biopsy and neuroimaging biomarkers for brain cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Relevant to RCO1, RCO4, and RCO5.
Tasks
T1.1 Liquid biopsy biomarker discovery; T1.2 Radiomics biomarker discovery; T1.3 WG1 meetings.
Activities
Participate in MC and WG1 meetings, organize a WG1-focused conference, contribute to reports, publications, dissemination, and training schools.
Milestones
M1.1: WG1 Conference — Month 10
M1.2: Mid-term Report — Month 25