Pharma To Date

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), has awarded the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) engineering teams two significant grants totaling $54 million. These funds will support groundbreaking projects aimed at enhancing cancer research and treatment, particularly in tumor study and surgical interventions. These initiatives represent a critical step forward in personalized medicine, with the potential to improve outcomes for cancer patients.

Automating 3D Tumor Model Production

One of the two grants, totaling $21 million, has been awarded to a team led by Bill King, Ph.D., to develop an automated production line for three-dimensional (3D) tumor models. Currently, 3D tumor models, though available for certain cancers, are complex and time-consuming to create. These models are essential for studying cancer biology and testing new treatments. The UIUC team aims to revolutionize this process using artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced imaging systems to monitor and control the growth of tumor models.

By creating a faster, automated system, the team hopes to enable the production of bespoke tumor models for individual patients. This would allow physicians to test treatments on these models before administering them to the patient, personalizing cancer care and improving the precision of treatments.

Enhancing Surgical Precision with AI-Powered Tools

The second project, led by Stephen Boppart, M.D., Ph.D., is focused on improving surgical outcomes. With $33 million in funding, this initiative aims to develop AI-powered tools that can verify whether all cancerous cells have been successfully removed during surgery. This technology could significantly reduce the need for repeat surgeries due to lingering cancerous cells, a common issue in breast-conserving surgeries.

The partnership with the Mayo Clinic emphasizes the pressing need for this technology. Approximately 20% of patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery require additional operations due to incomplete removal of cancerous tissue. By improving surgical precision, this tool has the potential to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the burden of repeat procedures.

Conclusion

These ARPA-H grants represent a crucial investment in the future of cancer treatment. Through the development of advanced AI-powered technologies, the University of Illinois aims to push the boundaries of personalized medicine and improve the lives of cancer patients.