Zee-Zoom-Zap: a new paradigm for cancer theranostics

We propose a disruptive concept overcoming the fundamental limit of concurrently achieving specific, high-resolution imaging at depth in tissue. Our Zee-Zoom-Zap concept will serve as a one-stop-shop by combining early detection of cancer through small lumens (‘zee’), non-invasive “biopsies” (‘zoom’), and local therapy (‘zap’).The main challenge in realising early detection of cancer is to overcome the fundamental limitation in concurrently achieving specific, high-resolution imaging at the cellular scale at depth in tissue. A radical departure from conventional optical biopsy concepts, our project employs a holistic approach to optical theranostics, with each research pillar constructed as an integral part of a unified concept. Four research fields, represented by four PIs, form its basis: cancer-specific phototheranostic probes, monolithically 3D-printed micro-optical catheters, complementary optical imaging methods for unprecedented range and sensitivity, lasers at wavelengths for both imaging and therapy, and novel physics-enhanced deep learning AI models for imaging, detection, decision support, and treatment guidance.Based on an unmet medical need, the consortium will target pancreatic cancer. For decades, there has been little improvement in detecting and treating this cancer form. The long-term perspective for the Zee-Zoom-Zap is translation into the clinical setting as part of a combined population- and imaging-based screening workflow for early detection of pancreatic cancer and in situ treatment. The concept will be applicable to other cancers reachable through small lumens. The societal and economic impact, in terms of return on investment and increased survival rates, are envisaged to be significant. Furthermore, the project’s innovations, interdisciplinary character, and synergy are expected to lead to new ideas being conceived and the emergence and growth of new fields of research. The development of the Zee-Zoom-Zap concept is only the first step.