GENOA 1

The project
Cancer treatment has made significant progress in recent years thanks to new therapies, leading to improved survival rates for a number of cancers, particularly breast cancer. Early cancer detection through screening tests has also contributed to better survival rates, as cancer detected early can be treated more effectively. Screening for colon cancer by colonoscopy or for breast cancer by mammography are two examples. Unfortunately, for most cancers, there are no effective early detection methods, and even mammography has shown limitations. However, research studies at the University of Fribourg have revealed that the presence of cancer can trigger changes in the cells of the immune system. Analysing white blood cells circulating in the blood can detect these changes and also provide insights into the effectiveness of the treatment. 

The engagement of the ISREC Foundation
Thanks to the valued support of the ISREC Foundation, research at the University of Fribourg is currently focused on developing a blood test for the detection and monitoring of breast cancer. To this end, a clinical study has been conducted in Fribourg and other centres in Western Switzerland. The analysis of samples will be carried out by researchers from the University of Fribourg in collaboration with clinicians, bioinformaticians, and mathematicians using new molecular technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms.

Acknowledgments
We sincerely thank the ISREC Foundation for its invaluable support of our researchers, who are innovatively combating one of the most prevalent cancers and thereby helping affected patients.