ABOUT US

Currently, the assessment of the risk of fracture in patients with vertebral metastases is inaccurate, and so is treatment planning. Clinicians (oncologists, radiologists, spine surgeons) cannot rely on accurate tools for diagnosing the fracture risk.

Cancer affects 584 per 100,000 men and women in Europe each year (ECIS). Some primary tumours (breast, prostate, kidney, lung) metastasize to the vertebrae in 30-70% of cases. Due to the current non-patient-specific approach, around 30% of patients with vertebral metastases experience fractures, which can cause severe pain and nerve damage. Approximately 90% of such fractures require surgery.

Learn more

1 JULY 2023

START DATE

60 MONTHS

DURATION

6.7 MIL. €

BUDGET

VISION & MISSION

To revolutionize the care of cancer patients with vertebral metastases by leveraging cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence and Physiology-based biomechanical models. Our vision is a future where personalized, data-driven treatment decisions significantly reduce fracture risk, enhance patient quality of life, and transform the standard-of-care for metastatic patients in Europe and beyond.

LEARN MORE

TIMELINE

Collection of specimens for the ex vivo study completed

01/12/24

Development of METASTRA-VPH starts

01/01/25

Start of the prospective study

01/04/25

With METASTRA we strive to empower clinicians with precise personalised strategies to evaluate and treat metastatic cancer, reducing suffering for countless patients, and transforming the future of management of terminal patients.

- Professor Luca Cristofolini, Project Coordinator
University of Bologna, Italy