News

Julia Zelkowska, MSc, a doctoral student at the Clinical Research Centre of the Medical University of Bialystok, has received the prestigious PRELUDIUM 24 grant awarded by the National Science Centre. The research project entitled ‘ECLECTIC: Multilayer assessment of endometrial cancer using clinical, metabolomic, histological and molecular data in a translational approach’ was awarded PLN 209,814. The scientific supervisor of the project is Prof. Michał Ciborowski.

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignant tumour of the female reproductive system in developed countries, and the number of cases is steadily increasing. Although the early stages of the disease can often be effectively treated surgically, there is still a lack of reliable, non-invasive methods for early detection and tools to better predict the course of the disease and select tailor-made treatment. The tests used today, such as transvaginal ultrasound and biopsy, are either imprecise or burdensome for patients.

The aim of the project is to combine multiple sources of information about the disease into a single coherent picture. Julia Zelkowska's research will cover the following data:

• clinical (concerning the course of the disease),
• histological (tissue assessment),
• molecular (genetic changes),
• metabolomic (analysis of small molecules – metabolites – circulating in the body).
   

This multidimensional approach aims to help discover characteristic ‘metabolic signatures’ of endometrial cancer, i.e. patterns of changes in metabolism that reflect key disease processes such as hormonal disorders, chronic inflammation, changes in immune response, and energy reprogramming of cancer cells.

The project is based on promising preliminary research results, which showed significant differences in the plasma metabolite profile of patients with endometrial cancer compared to the control group. Among other things, changes in fat and carbohydrate metabolism were observed, as well as in compounds associated with metabolic stress and immune system activation.

In subsequent stages, advanced LC-MS/MS analyses of plasma, urine and tumour tissue samples are planned. Among other things, inflammatory mediators, steroid hormones and lipid profiles will be assessed. The studies will be supplemented by molecular profiling covering key genes associated with endometrial cancer (including POLE, TP53, MSI, PIK3CA).

The project is the result of cooperation between the Laboratory of Metabolomics and Proteomics and the Department of Oncological Gynecology with Chemotherapy at the Medical University of Bialystok, headed by Prof. Paweł Knapp. The Medical University of Bialystok Biobank also plays an important role, securing the high-quality biological material necessary for research.