The proposal for a scientific experiment “Investigating the response of cells to drugs used in anti-cancer therapy in zero-gravity conditions” (0G-CARE) has been qualified to the group of 18 that have a chance of being implemented as part of the Polish astronaut’s mission to the ISS.
The European Space Agency (ESA), in cooperation with the Ministry of Development and Technology (MRiT) and the Polish Space Agency (POLSA), has completed the substantive assessment of the recruitment of experiments to be carried out on the International Space Station (ISS).
It is a great honour to be included in this group. We proposed an experiment that is the result of our many years of research in building miniature analytical instruments and on-chip laboratories and the fact that we have developed the first European payload for conducting biological experiments: this laboratory was placed in LEO in January 2022.
Microgravity is changing cancer research and treatment. Recent findings indicate that microgravity can alter the behaviour of specific cancer cells, such as breast cancer, by enhancing apoptosis and inhibiting migration. This suggests the potential for effective treatments with lower drug doses that minimize side effects.
Our team is pioneering on-chip culture, cultivating various cancer cell lines and assessing drug resistance using traditional and novel compounds.
We are excited and look forward to seeing how the experience unfolds.