Jetons Cancer supports the acquisition of new molecular imaging equipment at IPBS
As part of its call for projects, the association Jetons Cancer, an initiative supported by Rotary clubs, is providing funding to IPBS for the acquisition of innovative equipment designed to strengthen cancer research. The Microenvironment, Cancer and Adipocytes team at IPBS has been awarded funding for an HTX M3+ Sprayer, a next-generation sample preparation system for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging, or MALDI-MSI.
Led by Professor Charlotte Vaysse, breast surgeon, and Dr Landry Blanc, this project is part of a translational research dynamic between IPBS and the IUCT-Oncopole in Toulouse. It will strengthen the institute’s capacities in spatial multi-omics analysis of tumours.
MALDI-MSI makes it possible to map, directly within tumour tissues, the spatial distribution of lipids, metabolites and small molecules involved in cancer aggressiveness. This approach provides new opportunities to better understand the biological mechanisms that promote tumour growth, metastatic dissemination and resistance to treatment.
The HTX M3+ Sprayer represents an important advance for this activity, particularly for the critical step of MALDI matrix deposition. It will enable more homogeneous, controlled and reproducible preparation of human biopsy samples prior to analysis, thereby improving the quality of molecular images and the detection of metabolites of interest, including those involved in tumour energy metabolism.
This new equipment will first be used to study metabolic interactions between adipocytes and tumour cells in breast cancer, particularly in the context of tumours arising in patients with obesity. Beyond this initial application, it will contribute to the development of new projects focused on the tumour microenvironment, one of IPBS’s key research areas.
The funding for this equipment was officially awarded to Professor Charlotte Vaysse and Dr Landry Blanc during a ceremony held on 26 May, in the presence of Dr Olivier Neyrolles, Director of IPBS, Mr Alain Desplanques, Founder and President of Jetons Cancer, and members of Rotary.
IPBS warmly thanks all the volunteers, donors and members of Jetons Cancer for their commitment to biomedical research and scientific innovation for the benefit of patients.
The principle behind Jetons Cancer is simple and effective: every year, on the first Saturday of February, close to World Cancer Day, Rotary volunteers mobilize in partner supermarkets and offer customers a symbolic token in exchange for one euro. All funds raised are used exclusively to purchase equipment dedicated to cancer research.