Cultivating mini-tumors to better treat lung cancer

This is a major breakthrough in the fight against lung cancer, made possible by the HUG and the University of Geneva (UNIGE). For the first time, researchers have described a precise method for culturing lung tumor spheroids from cells taken directly from patients. These miniature tumors recreate the functioning of cancer cells and provide a unique platform for rapidly testing various cancer treatments. In just two to three weeks, it becomes possible to identify the most effective therapies for each individual case.

Lung cancer, which accounts for 20% of cancer-related deaths, is a complex and heterogeneous disease. Current treatments, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies, are not suitable for all tumors. Drug resistance exacerbates this problem, often requiring combination therapies. Thanks to this discovery, researchers at the HUG and UNIGE can now test tumor responses under conditions close to reality and thus tailor care to each person's specific needs.

This study, led by Dr. Véronique Serre-Beinier, head of the fundamental research laboratory at the HUG's Thoracic and Endocrine Surgery Department and researcher at the Department of Surgery at the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine, included patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Tumor fragments collected during surgery were cultured into spheroids, three-dimensional cell aggregates. These spheroids are used to evaluate the response to various treatments in less than 20 days. The model also analyzes the toxicity of drugs on healthy tissue spheroids, thereby reducing the risk of side effects.

The co-authors of this research include Dr. Wolfram Karenovics, assistant physician in the Thoracic and Endocrine Surgery Department at the HUG, and Prof. Alfredo Addeo, chief physician in the Oncology Department and head of the Lung Cancer Center at the HUG, as well as full professor in the Department of Medicine at the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine.

By anticipating potential tumor resistance to treatment, this technique could revolutionize the management of lung cancer. The initial results pave the way for more individualized medicine and, ultimately, more targeted therapies, sparing patients unnecessary treatments.

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