Retrograde atrophy induction: a paradigm shift in prostate and pancreatic cancer prevention and therapy.

forthcoming

Pancreatic cancer (PaC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world and its incidence is increasing. Prostate cancer (PrC) is the 2nd most frequent cancer in men and the 5th leading cause of death globally. These tumors arise in exocrine glands with secretory ducts. Standard treatments like the Whipple procedure or radical prostatectomy are aggressive and carry significant morbidity. PROPANTHERA proposes a first-in-class, minimally invasive alternative: targeted radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of exocrine ducts to induce localized retrograde atrophy leading to functional elimination of preneoplastic lesions and tumors. This breakthrough is enabled through the design of novel ultra-miniaturized catheters developed by world leaders in bioengineering and surgical oncology, enhanced by key expertise in state-of-the-art genome editing and genomic biology tools. The project builds on strong prior evidence in mice and uses tools ready for translation. Preclinical validation will use genetically engineered swine models mimicking human KRAS/TP53-driven and BRCA2-associated pancreatic cancer. For the first time, we will ablate lobular structures in the pancreas and the prostate in vivo, offering a precision medicine, organ-preserving approach. PROPANTHERA pioneers a paradigm shift: replacing resection with precision-guided atrophy. This approach will reduce complications, costs, and recovery time. Its impact will be highest in high-risk patients and those unfit for surgery. PROPANTHERA will not only redefine the treatment of PaC and PrC but it will also inaugurate a new class of organ-preserving interventions for a wider range of malignancies. The new medical devices, with a clear path to CE marking, and the strong biology to guide further refinement align with EU missions to reduce cancer burden and foster innovation to impact on survival.