A unique technology producing standardized lung cancer organoids in air/liquid interface conditions: a new alternative to animal experimentation

Principal Investigator: Dr Olivier Preynat-Seauve

Co-Investigators: Dr Veronique Serre-Beinier

Grant Amount: CHF 300,402.50

Keywords: Lung cancer, Pre-clinical model, Organoid, Drug screening, Spheroid, Air-liquid interface, 3D cell culture, Personalized medicine

Animal Use: None


Application Abstract:
Lung cancer ranks among the most widespread cancers globally and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Switzerland, with Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) representing approximately 85% of cases. Researchers commonly rely on animal experiments to study NSCLC. Lung Cancer Organoids (LCO) derived from human biopsies offer a promising alternative to animal testing for research, personalized medicine, and drug screening. However, the current process of obtaining LCO is limited and challenging. Dr. Preynat-Seauve's group has patented a novel technology designed to produce organoids under air/liquid interface conditions. Basically, this technology mimics lung physiological air-liquid interface conditions by using imprinted microwells on a hemi-permeable membrane that allows media exchange by capillarity from the basal surface. Dr Serre-Beinier’s group is involved and expert in the development of models mimicking LCO development for personalized medicine applications. LCO generated using this new technology were compared to those produced using the traditional immersion method. The results showed a clear improvement in the uniformity of LCO. Validating this innovative LCO technology is expected to lead to a substantial reduction in animal use per year. Finally, this research project, conducted in close collaboration with Dr. Serre Beinier and Dr. EL Harane, holds promise for advancing personalized medicine by providing valuable insights into cancer development.