Mini-tumors reveal new drug combinations for liver cancer
Liver cancer is difficult to treat because tumors vary greatly from patient to patient. Researchers at the University of Basel have captured this diversity by creating a collection of mini-tumors, which they use to systematically search for new treatment options. They tested more than 1,600 compounds using these organoids and used the results to develop promising drug combinations.
Liver cancer treatment has been challenging due to tumor variability among patients. Researchers at the University of Basel addressed this issue by creating a diverse collection of mini-tumors, or organoids, derived from small tissue samples obtained during diagnostic needle biopsies. These organoids, representing various stages of liver cancer and caused by different factors, allowed for comprehensive testing of drug effectiveness.
In a study published in Cell Reports, researchers from the University of Basel screened over 1,600 compounds using these organoids and discovered promising drug combinations. Immunotherapies have improved liver cancer treatment, but not all patients respond well. The team focused on combining drugs with different mechanisms of action, aiming to maintain effectiveness despite varying tumor vulnerabilities.
One promising combination, regorafenib, selinexor, and ixazomib, significantly slowed tumor growth in mice with patient-derived tumors without causing significant additional toxicity. Further studies are needed before this triple therapy can be used in patients, as organoids do not fully represent the tumor microenvironment, including blood vessels and immune cells.
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