The major aim of our project is to develop innovative anti-tumor therapeutics based on the concept of tumor cell plasticity. Recent findings from our team demonstrate that the tumor cell behavior can be modulated independently of the oncogenetic specific mutations acquired during the carcinogenesis and the tumor progression. The research project has been carried out using three major approaches developed jointly: 1) a basic research approach focused on telomerase gene expression regulation; 2) the integration of the biological response to neurotensin/neurotensin receptor; 3) a pharmacological approach focused on the identification and characterization of new pharmacological tools enabling the manipulation of the tumor cell plasticity for therapeutic purpose through targeting telomeres/telomerase and/or neurotensin/neurotensin receptor.