Scientists are investigating the potential of using miniature organ replicas, known as organoids, grown in the lab from a patient’s cells to improve the accuracy of predicting the success of cancer treatments. These organoids, which can mimic the structure of actual organs, are being developed on a small 3D structure called an organ chip that simulates blood flow, allowing for lung tissue expansion and contraction or synchronized beating of heart cells.
Compared to traditional methods like flat cell cultures or animal testing, organ chips provide a more comprehensive understanding of cancer growth and human functions, aiding in the prediction of effective pharmaceutical treatments. Recent advancements in this field include the successful creation of personalized organ chips for patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma by a team from McGill University and Harvard University. These organ chips recreate a patient’s tumor and surrounding tissues to test the response to treatment.
The director of thoracic and upper gastrointestinal surgery at McGill University Health Centre, Dr. Lorenzo Ferri, highlighted the significance of this innovative approach, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize cancer care by enabling personalized treatment plans based on individual organ chip responses. The organ chip technology, developed by Donald Ingber and colleagues at Harvard’s Wyss Institute, replicates not only the tumor but also includes channels for various cell types and fluid that mimics blood and surrounding tissue conditions.
Experts believe that organoids and organ chips offer a faster and more precise alternative to animal testing, bridging the gap between laboratory studies and clinical trials. The shift towards using these advanced technologies aligns with initiatives by health authorities to reduce animal experimentation, such as the establishment of dedicated organoid development centers and strategies to minimize reliance on animal models in research.
The potential applications of organ chips extend beyond cancer research, with ongoing efforts to develop personalized treatments for various diseases and conditions. As the field progresses, the focus is on scaling up research efforts to ensure widespread benefits and cost-effectiveness for patients in need of tailored treatments. Despite current challenges such as high costs, advancements like automated cell maintenance systems could make organoid technology more accessible in the future, potentially reducing the need for animal testing in biomedical research.