A compendium of next-generation patient-derived models for diverse cancers

The Human Cancer Models Initiative (HCMI) has developed a comprehensive collection of 665 patient-derived cancer models generated from 2,780 donors with various types of cancer. These models were created using innovative in vitro techniques such as tumour organoids, neurospheres and cell lines. The initiative aimed to address the limitations of existing cancer models, which often lack diversity in terms of tumour characteristics and clinical states.

By generating this extensive collection of models, researchers now have access to a more representative resource for studying cancer pathogenesis and evaluating treatment responses. The HCMI models were characterized using whole genome, exome, methylome and transcriptome analyses, providing valuable information on genetic and epigenetic properties.

Additionally, single-nucleus RNA sequencing was performed to identify subsets of models where culture conditions impact cell states. This resource, including multimodal molecular profiling and clinical information, is now available to the scientific community for preclinical investigation and drug discovery efforts.