Key information / Informations

•    Funding programme / Programme de financement: Horizon Europe - ERC Starting Grant - 2023
•    Coordinator / Coordinateur: Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL), Dr Salim SI-MOHAMED (CREATIS)
•    Budget : 1 603 750 €
•    Grant / Subvention : 1 603 750 €
•    Début – Fin : 2024-2029

Context / Contexte

Computed tomography (CT) is the mainstay of lung imaging due to its better spatial resolution, convenience, and faster acquisition time than other methods, but its lack of specificity limits the guidance of therapeutic strategies based on imaging assessment in lung disease in general and, more specifically, in pulmonary fibrosis and cancer. Spectral photon-counting CT is a new technology offering an advanced imaging method called Color K-edge imaging, which enables the specific and quantitative identification of one or more atoms at the same time in a tissue. However, K-edge imaging is still limited by its low sensitivity and the scarcity of contrast agents available for potential application in humans.
The aim of KOLOR SPCCT IMAGING is therefore to develop a Color K-edge SPCCT imaging framework to provide specific and quantitative high-resolution imaging by combining contrast agents and injection routes (intravenous or inhalation).

Objectives / Objectifs

KOLOR SPCCT IMAGING objectives are i) optimising Color K-edge imaging (sensitivity, accuracy, image reconstruction) in order to detect and quantify concomitantly 2 nanoparticles-based contrast agents ii) developing a high spatial resolution quantitative ventilation and perfusion V/Q Color K-edge imaging protocol in healthy rabbit models using nanoparticles-based contrast agents iii) assessing the capabilities of V/Q Color K-edge protocol in pulmonary embolism, lung fibrosis and cancer rabbit models to perform a specific and quantitative evaluation of the pulmonary ventilation and blood volumes and their ratio using nanoparticles-based contrast agents iiii) detecting and quantifying in vivo and non-invasively nanoparticles targeting inflammation and/or pulmonary delivery to monitor the evolution of lung fibrosis and cancer.

Expected impact and results / Impact et résultats attendus

The KOLOR SPCCT IMAGING project will develop an innovative approach, Color K-edge Imaging in combination with dedicated nanoparticles-based contrast agents, offering a breakthrough for simultaneous high-resolution specific and quantitative imaging. The expected results are a new approach for a better understanding of the ventilation and perfusion processes occurring in lung diseases as well as a comprehensive assessment of the inflammatory processes and the biodistribution of nanocarriers for drug delivery in 2 key applications: lung cancer and fibrosis. This project will be the stepping stone to the development of clinical trials assessing not only lung diseases and their treatments but also in the longer term will be used with other physio-pathological applications (e.g., breast cancer, liver hepatocarcinoma) and personalised medicine.

LIP’s contribution / Rôle de LIP

LIP a accompagné le porteur de projet dans toute la phase de montage administratif et financier du projet, conseil à la rédaction. LIP accompagne l’Université Lyon 1 pour le suivi administratif et financier du projet.