Multiomic Strategy to Identify Novel Immunomodulatory Targets in Prospective and Retrospective Cohorts of Colorectal Cancer Patients

• Grant number: 24/10964-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Immunogenetics
• Principal Investigator: Kenneth John Gollob
• Grantee: João Figueira Scarini
• Host Institution: Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein (IIEPAE). Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein (SBIBAE). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Company: Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein (SBIBAE). Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein (IIEPAE)
• Associated research grant: 21/00408-6 - Center for Research in Immuno-Oncology (CRIO), AP.PCPE

Abstract

Colon cancer (CC) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, leading to the search for effective therapies. In this context, immunotherapy is emerging as a promising strategy for CC patients. However, treatment response can vary widely among patients, with a significant proportion failing to respond adequately or developing serious adverse events. Therefore, the identification of novel therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers for treatment response is crucial to maximize therapeutic benefit and minimize risks for patients. In this project, we aim to use a comprehensive multi-omic approach to discover and validate the molecules, biological pathways, immune cells, and networks that play a critical role in inducing effective anti-tumor responses. This investigation will be conducted in prospective and retrospective cohorts of CC patients with the goal of identifying potential immunomodulatory targets. These targets have the potential to guide the development of new immuno-oncology-based therapies while providing valuable insight into the identification of predictive biomarkers for treatment response. The goal of this research is not only to identify new therapeutic targets capable of improving response to therapy, but also to identify biomarkers with predictive potential to determine which patients will benefit most from this therapeutic approach, thus benefiting from personalized medicine. Ultimately, our goal is to improve not only the efficacy but also the safety of these innovative treatments while identifying clinically relevant biomarkers. In doing so, we hope to offer new, potentially effective therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of patients with CC. This project is an integral part of the Center for Research in Immuno-oncology (CRIO), coordinated by Prof. Kenneth Gollob and funded by FAPESP's CPE mechanism in cooperation with GSK and the host institution, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.