PRESSURE · Preventing Therapy Resistance in Esophageal Cancer Using Advanced Models and Molecular Signatures

In 2035, cancer will have become the leading cause of death in the EU. In line with the Horizon Europe Plan to Beat Cancer, one of the five Horizon Missions, the PRESSURE network sets out to train 10 future experts who will push the development and clinical implementation of effective treatments and policies against therapy resistance in cancer. This innovative project will specifically focus on esophageal adenocarcinoma as one of the most complex cancer types in terms of resistance, and most urgently in need of novel solutions. Prominent factors that contribute to the poor outcome of esophageal cancer are a high degree of acquired resistance, and heterogeneous responses to the available therapies. Despite this knowledge, there are currently no consensus treatments for this disease in the EU, and there is insufficient awareness of the need for a unified low-risk treatment strategy. Numerous different regimens are currently given across the continent, and as a result highly divergent outcomes of EAC are observed. This adds to Cancer Inequalities in Europe. To address this, PRESSURE researchers will receive exhaustive intersectoral training, and deliver high-quality knowledge, across the entire value chain: Epidemiology, imaging, patient-derived model systems, resistance mechanisms, diagnostics, patient-centricity, valorization, and treatment. By receiving this diverse training, the ESRs will become next generation thinkers and problem-solvers, and will be able to deliver creative contributions to all fields involved in the combatting of cancer with unique solutions applicable in the clinic and society. This combination of complementary research expertise and rich training is not currently offered in an EU network.