spaXio · Spatial Crosstalk in Immuno-Oncology

Metastasis, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, arises from the spread of cancer cells to distant organs, where they compromise normal organ function. Cellular interactions, paracrine factors, and the metabolic environment promote the formation of metastatic niches that facilitate tumour cell survival and proliferation. While single-cell data have improved our understanding of tumours and their heterogeneity, our knowledge of metastatic niches is still very incomplete. In particular, the lack of spatial context makes it difficult to address critical knowledge gaps in metastatic niche biology which limits our progress in the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.The doctoral network spaXio aims to tackle this challenge by training doctoral candidates (DCs) in cutting-edge techniques, including spatially resolved multi-omics, advanced tumoroid modelling, and computational approaches, including bioinformatics and AI-based prediction models. DCs will conduct systemic analyses of metastatic niches across diverse organ systems and tumour types to improve our understanding of metastatic niche formation and uncover novel therapeutic targets. SpaXio provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary training that combines hands-on laboratory experience, computational data integration, and (industry) secondments. Regular cross-disciplinary workshops and seminars boost innovation and collaboration, while transferable skills training encompasses communication, ethical research, open science, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. By partnering with a network of leading European and international academic, clinical, and industrial experts, spaXio ensures that DCs are exposed to diverse research environments and approaches. This fosters their ability to think across borders, advance technologies and integrate multiple large datasets into a complete systemic picture, preparing them to be leaders in cancer research and shape the rapidly evolving field of spatial biology.