Objective
We propose a disruptive concept overcoming the fundamental limit of concurrently achieving specific, high-resolution imaging at depth in tissue. Our Zee-Zoom-Zap concept will serve as a one-stop-shop by combining early detection of cancer through small lumens (‘zee’), non-invasive “biopsies” (‘zoom’), and local therapy (‘zap’).
The main challenge in realising early detection of cancer is to overcome the fundamental limitation in concurrently achieving specific, high-resolution imaging at the cellular scale at depth in tissue. A radical departure from conventional optical biopsy concepts, our project employs a holistic approach to optical theranostics, with each research pillar constructed as an integral part of a unified concept. Four research fields, represented by four PIs, form its basis: cancer-specific phototheranostic probes, monolithically 3D-printed micro-optical catheters, complementary optical imaging methods for unprecedented range and sensitivity, lasers at wavelengths for both imaging and therapy, and novel physics-enhanced deep learning AI models for imaging, detection, decision support, and treatment guidance.
Based on an unmet medical need, the consortium will target pancreatic cancer. For decades, there has been little improvement in detecting and treating this cancer form. The long-term perspective for the Zee-Zoom-Zap is translation into the clinical setting as part of a combined population- and imaging-based screening workflow for early detection of pancreatic cancer and in situ treatment. The concept will be applicable to other cancers reachable through small lumens. The societal and economic impact, in terms of return on investment and increased survival rates, are envisaged to be significant. Furthermore, the project’s innovations, interdisciplinary character, and synergy are expected to lead to new ideas being conceived and the emergence and growth of new fields of research. The development of the Zee-Zoom-Zap concept is only the first step.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-SYG - HORIZON ERC Synergy Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-SyG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.