Harnessing Patient-Derived Materials to Unravel Cancer Cachexia
Understanding cancer cachexia -a complex syndrome marked by severe weight and muscle loss- requires research models that closely reflect the human condition. By utilizing patient-derived materials, we can directly investigate the mechanisms driving cachexia, paving the way for targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes.
How Patient-Derived Materials Are Used:
- Organoid Technology
We generate three-dimensional organoids from tumor tissue collected during patient surgeries. These organoids retain malignant and physiological features of the original tumor, allowing us to study how specific tumor-derived factors contribute to cachexia. By comparing organoids from cachectic and non-cachectic patients, we can identify key mediators that drive tissue wasting and metabolic disturbances. - Tissue Biobanks
We have comprehensive biobanks of tissues from patients with different types of cancer, paired with detailed clinical data to enable the study of disease variability and the discovery of novel cachexia-inducing mechanisms. Every week, tumor and healthy surrounding tissue, skeletal muscle tissue, adipose tissue, liver tissue, and intestinal tissues are collected at the operation theatre and processed immediately (snap freezing, OCT embedding, FFPE) to allow different types of high quality analyses. - Liquid Biopsies
Blood and other bodily fluids like urine and bile from patients provide circulating proteins, metabolites, lipid species, and other biomarkers. These minimally invasive samples are analyzed using advanced technologies to monitor cachexia progression, identify molecular drivers, and assess treatment responses.
By leveraging patient-derived materials, our research delivers insights that are directly relevant to real-world patient challenges. Connect with us to learn more about the use of these patient materials and collaborate to advance patient-centered solutions.