Project
What is DiaNA
The NSCLC Diagnostics – Algorithm (DiaNA) project is a research initiative conducted by the International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS) at the University of Gdańsk. Its goal is to develop and validate novel blood-based diagnostic methods for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The project focuses on solutions that are fast, accessible and suitable for large-scale screening, with results that can be interpreted using standardized algorithms.
The implementation of the DiaNA project takes place thanks to the funding from the Medical Research Agency within the framework of the competition for scientific entities to carry out applied research in the biomedical area (2024 ABM/03/KPO) within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Component D Efficiency, Accessibility and Quality of the Health System, Investment D3.1.1 Comprehensive development of research in medical and health sciences.
Why it matters
The challenge
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases.
Current diagnostic methods are often limited by accessibility, cost, and a high rate of false-positive results.
→ Our response
DiaNA addresses these challenges by developing minimally invasive blood-based diagnostic approaches supported by advanced data analysis and machine learning tools.
Our diagnostic approaches
Flow cytometry–based diagnostics
Method 1
Blood samples are analyzed using flow cytometry, a standard clinical technology. A dedicated panel of antibodies enables the characterization of immune cell populations, particularly natural killer (NK) cells. Results are interpreted using a graphical algorithm, allowing rapid assessment without the need for highly specialized personnel.
Mass spectrometry–based diagnostics
Method 2
This approach focuses on identifying cancer-specific peptides (neoantigens) present in blood samples of NSCLC patients. Initial studies indicate the presence of unique peptide signatures detectable only in affected individuals.
Project objectives
- → Development of innovative blood-based diagnostic methods for NSCLC
- → Validation of diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility
- → Integration of machine learning for result interpretation
- → Improving accessibility of lung cancer screening
News
Stay up to date with the latest developments, milestones and announcements related to the DiaNA project.
Visit of the Mayor of Gdańsk to ICCVS
On Friday, 21 November 2025, the International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS) hosted the Mayor of Gdańsk, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, and the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, Prof. Piotr Stepnowski. The visit began with a meeting during which the Director of ICCVS, Prof. Natalia Marek-Trzonkowska, together with the Administrative Director, Izabela Raszczyk, MBA, presented […]
Participation in the 1st CEE Congress for Research Managers and Administrators in Brussels
Izabela Raszczyk participated in the 1st Central and Eastern European (CEE) Congress for Research Managers and Administrators, organised by the PolSCA Office of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Brussels during 4-5 November 2025.The event gathered research managers, administrators, funders, faciliators, RPO leaders and research policy experts from across Central and Eastern Europe, as well […]
BESTPRAC community – a space for research managers
During 28–29 October 2025 at the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), Izabela Raszczyk and Anna Krajewska from the ICCVS Research Support Team attended the 4th BESTPRAC Thematic Group Event held under the theme “Bridging the Gap: Project Managers and Research Support Teams in Action”. The Barcelona meeting reminded us how crucial the interface between EU […]
Building Bridges 2025 – ICCVS at the conference in Dresden
A very good recent experience at the Building Bridges 2025 conference in Dresden — a space for intensifying collaboration between policy, research & innovation. Before the conference Izabela Raszczyk from ICCVS attended also the pre-event: “Widening in Horizon Europe: Sharing Best Practices” organized by ZEUSS on 11 September 2025. It brought together Horizon Europe coordinators, […]
ABOUT US
About the team
The DiaNA project is carried out at the International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science (ICCVS), University of Gdańsk — a leading research center focused on innovative cancer diagnostics and immunotherapy.
Project leader
Prof. Natalia Marek-Trzonkowska
Project leader, ICCVS University of Gdańsk
Expert in cancer immunology and translational research.
Contact
For media inquiries, collaboration opportunities or general questions regarding the DiaNA project, please contact us.
Coordinator: University of Gdańsk,
International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science
ul. Kładki 24,
80-822 Gdańsk, Poland
iccvs@ug.edu.pl
iccvs.ug.edu.pl