Considering the COVID-19 circumstances, the fourth CIBM Breakfast & Science Seminar took place through video conference and the program was a little different than usual.
There was only one speaker, Vincent Taelman, a research staff scientist from the CIBM PET HUG-UNIGE Molecular Imaging Section who presented on “ Upregulation of Key Molecules for Targeted Imaging and Therapy”. Although the talk was mostly suited for molecular biologists, as described in abstract below,
“Abstract: Somatostatin-based radiopeptide imaging and therapy have become valuable tools for patients with somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) expressing neuroendocrine tumors. However, in a considerable number of patients lesions of primary as well as of metastatic origin may be difficult to detect due to small size or comparably small receptor density, thus potentially compromising diagnostic as well as therapeutic approaches. We hypothesized that we could use a drug-based approach to increase the density of SSTR2 on the surface of tumor cells, and that we could therefore improve the performance of somatostatin receptor mediated imaging and treatment.”
it triggered interesting enquiries from the audience. In particular, Dr. Tanja Egener-Kuhn, previously biologist and now CIBM’s administrative manager, raised questions regarding the organ-specificity of the treatment, which followed by enquiring on the type of tumor investigated and where it was implanted.
The interactive audience sharing session followed in the second half hour. The attendees were invited to introduce themsleves and were given the opportunity to share their research interests with the CIBM community.
Finally, the CIBM Executive Director shared that the CIBM Breakfast and Science Seminars are an opportune time for all staff, affiliate and associate members of the CIBM Community to not only exchange knowledge but also to create links amongst themselves.
Please stay tuned for the CIBM Breakfast & Science Seminar 5 which will take place on Tuesday May 26th, 2020.
