CING: €329,000 RIF grant to research genetic predisposition of breast and ovarian cancer

The Biostatistics Unit of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics has announced the launch of two Innovative Cancer Genetics Research Projects.

The BcRAVE project (OPPORTUNITY-MSCA/1223/003; Breast Cancer Risk Assessment through Uncertain Variant Classification Empowerment) with total funding €129,000, and the OVATION project (EXCELLENCE/0524/523; Ovarian cancer case-control evidence in VUS classification) with total funding €200,000, each with a duration of 24 months, aim to advance the classification and understanding of genetic variants related to breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility.

Both projects are implemented under the programme of social cohesion “THALIA 2021-2027” co-funded by the European Union, through Research and Innovation Foundation.

BcRAVE, part of the "Horizon Europe – 2nd Opportunity – MSCA" program, focuses on developing innovative statistical methods for the analysis of genetic data to better classify variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) in genes associated with breast cancer predisposition. The project involves the collation of case-control genetic data and the creation of synthetic datasets to simulate complex genetic scenarios. These methods are expected to enhance the statistical power of analyses and support improved genetic counselling and clinical decision-making for individuals at increased risk.

OVATION, funded under the “Excellence Hubs” program, is dedicated to improving the classification of genetic variants associated with ovarian cancer susceptibility. It leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in combination with tumour-specific features and other biological data. The goal is to better understand the impact of these variants and to support early diagnosis and personalised cancer risk assessment through the generation and integration of real and synthetic ovarian cancer datasets.

Together, BcRAVE and OVATION represent a significant step forward in national efforts to enhance precision medicine in cancer genetics, fostering collaboration, data sharing, and innovation in biomedical research.