Kancure targets circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to prevent tumor metastases.

CTCs are specifically recruited to vital organs including bone marrows, liver and spleen to establish secondary tumors that are often resistant to traditional treatment. However, establishment of secondary tumors are not random. Based on large-scale, comprehensive studies on the bio-factors that are responsible for attraction of CTCs, Kancure Therapeutics identified key chemicals and bioactive factors that mediates recruitment and extravasation of CTCs. We developed topically applied patches (K-Patches) that contain those factors to attract and kill CTCs to protect vital organs from colonization of cancer cells.

In the meantime, targeted radiation of the accumulated tumor by K-Patch will trigger systematic anti-tumor immune response. This process will establish a consistent, reproducible 'abscopal' effect that will facilitate tumor clearance and prevent tumor recurrence.

Kancure develops Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms for personalized radiotherapy.

Different patients have different sensitivity towards radiotherapy. Kancure is developing neural networks that can study patients genetic background and image features. These neural networks with guide radiotherapy durations, dosages and modalities. The project is focusing on one of the worst human malignancies-glioblastoma (GBM). The neural networks Kancure develops can help predict GBM patients prognosis before surgical intervention. Another project develops neural networks that can help identify low-grade glioma (LGG) patients who have higher risk of postoperative early disease progression.

The neural networks integrate image features, genetic information and clinicopathological features. We believe these AI-based treatment guidance can revolutionize GBM and LGG treatment with reduced general toxicity and better survival rates.