Preclinical evaluation of FAPI-based radiopharmaceuticals in ovarian cancer

Title: Preclinical evaluation of FAPI-based radiopharmaceuticals in ovarian cancer

Metastatic ovarian cancer continues to represent a major clinical challenge with limited effective therapeutic options. This internship project is embedded in a broader research initiative aiming to preclinically evaluate radiopharmaceutical therapy in the context of ovarian cancer. Building on recent insights into the tumour microenvironment, the project will focus on the therapeutic potential of targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) — a stromal marker abundantly expressed in OC metastases.

The student will contribute to:

• Assisting in the radiolabeling and quality control (QC) of FAP-targeted ligands;

• Evaluating the binding of FAP-radioligands using in vitro 2D and 3D cell models of OC;

• Supporting the setup of in vivo models to assess tumour targeting and biodistribution.

• Executing  in vivo studies in these cancer models with FAPI-based radiopharmacuticals.

Learning outcomes:

• Hands-on experience in molecular profiling, radiopharmaceutical preparation, and functional assays;

• Insights into translational oncology and targeted radionuclide therapy;

• Skills in data interpretation, lab techniques, and scientific communication.