Page 18 - SRPSKO DRUŠTVO ISTRAŽIVAČA RAKA

Serbian Association for Cancer Research SDIRSACR

precise assessment of multidrug resistance and guiding the selection of the most effective therapies from the very first
treatment decision.
Efforts to prevent tumor relapse have led to the design of hybrid molecules that simultaneously quell inflammation and
kill residual cancer stem-like cells. By dissecting how therapy-induced inflammatory signals spur regrowth, particularly
in aggressive colorectal tumors, this approach aims to extinguish both the inflammatory trigger and the cellular seeds
of recurrence in a single targeted strike.

Future hopes in biomedicine working at IBISS laboratories
In breast cancer research, the focus is on the metabolic partnership between tumors and neighboring adipose tissue.
By mapping redox signaling networks and metabolic exchanges using advanced 3D co-culture systems alongside omics
analyses, they have pinpointed key nodes where interrupting the tumor-fat dialogue can undermine growth, resistance,
and metastatic potential.
Underpinning all these advances is a systems-level philosophy: tackling cancer requires synchronized insights into
molecular drivers, microenvironmental support, and metabolic reprogramming. This integrative mindset guides efforts
from early diagnostics through therapeutic innovation.
Beyond in-house and national projects, IBISS participates in pan-European networks aimed at refining cancer prognosis,
immunotherapy strategies, links between metabolic disorders and liver cancer, brain tumors research, and precision
medicine for biliary tract cancers.
Collaborations with material engineers have yielded cutting-edge 3D biomimetic tumor models to accelerate drug
screening and personalized treatment design. Work with chemists in photopharmacology leverages nature-inspired,
light-activated compounds to target multidrug-resistant tumors with minimal side effects, positioning IBISS at the
forefront of precision-guided oncology.
These breakthroughs are cemented by intellectual property filings on hybrid nanotherapeutics for glioblastoma,
ensuring a robust pipeline of translational innovations. Simultaneously, IBISS fosters the next generation of cancer
researchers: its doctoral candidates have earned SDIR awards for pioneering nanotherapy platforms and novel
metallorganic agents, reinforcing the institute’s role as a premier training ground for future leaders in oncology.

Research Infrastructure and Future Strategy: Commitment to Research Excellence

IBISS’s sustained pursuit of research excellence is reflected in infrastructure investments, talent development programs,
award-winning publications, and ongoing recruitment of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. Its commitment to
translating research into societal benefit is evidenced by the establishment of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer
(KTT) team, actively engaged in commercialization activities ranging from patenting processes to start-up incubations
in green technologies, diagnostics, and health solutions.
IBISS is central to Serbia’s biomedical research infrastructure, and its researchers collaborate extensively with national

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