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SCIENTIFIC CONTEXT
A Disease Defined by Complexity—and Limited Options
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), defined by the lack of ER, PR, and HER2 receptors, accounts for 15–20% of breast cancers and represents the most aggressive subtype. Its major challenge derives from extensive inter- and intra-tumor molecular heterogeneity, which drives resistance to therapies, early metastasis, and poor patient survival.
Current clinical management remains limited to non-specific chemotherapy, with no widely available targeted therapies. The absence of well-defined molecular targets, combined with dynamic tumor evolution, creates a critical unmet clinical need.
PROJECT VISION
A Biomarker-Driven Path Toward Better TNBC Therapies
BRIGHT-TNBC proposes a biomarker-guided drug repurposing strategy designed to rapidly expand therapeutic options using already approved drugs or their combinations.
This approach shortens development timelines, reduces costs, and increases the likelihood of clinical translation.
RESEARCH STRATEGY
The project integrates four complementary components:
WP1: Molecular Profiling of Human TNBC Tissue
Laser-capture microdissection
High-resolution proteomics
Biomarker identification and validation (IHC)
WP2: Selection of Relevant TNBC Cell Models
Proteomic comparison between tumor samples and cell lines
Identification of models reflecting real patient biology
WP3: Drug repurposing in TNBC Cell Lines
Testing of 3 approved drugs (single, dual, triple therapies)
Viability, functional assays, morphological evaluation
Proteomics-based mechanistic insights
WP4: In Vivo Validation
Orthotopic TNBC mouse model
IVIS imaging
Histopathology & proteomics
Metabolic and pathway analysis
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Creating Meaningful Impact
Preclinical validation of promising repositioned drugs
High-quality datasets for future translational research
Increased regional capacity in proteomics and oncology
Improved prospects for personalized treatment in TNBC
Strengthened biomedical collaboration between Romania and Moldova
INNOVATION AND NOVELTY
Pioneering Biomarker-Driven Drug Repurposing
The novelty of BRIGHT-TNBC arises from:
Integration of proteomics-defined molecular subtypes into drug selection
Biomarker-driven prioritization of repositioned drugs
Combining proteomics, functional assays, and preclinical validation
Strong RO–MD bilateral collaboration and knowledge transfer
Potential for rapid translation into personalized TNBC therapy
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