Tiny Lab-Made Organs Aim to Revolutionize Cancer Treatments

Cancer treatments often fall short of expectations, subjecting patients to the harsh side effects of chemotherapy without the anticipated benefits. Researchers are now investigating an innovative approach using lab-grown miniaturized organs, known as organoids, derived from patients’ own cells. These developments could significantly enhance the prediction of treatment success.

Organoids are created by cultivating a patient’s cells into self-organizing tissue. An advanced method, termed an organ chip, involves growing these organoids on a compact 3D structure that simulates blood flow. This technology has the ability to produce lung tissue that expands and contracts autonomously or heart cells that beat in synchrony. Unlike traditional drug testing methods, which rely on flat cell cultures or animal models, organ chips offer a more accurate representation of cancer dynamics and human physiology, assisting in the identification of effective pharmaceuticals.

Recent achievements highlight the potential of this technology. A collaborative team from McGill University in Montreal and Harvard University successfully developed organoids alongside a personalized organ chip for eight patients diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma, a particularly lethal form of cancer. Dr. Lorenzo Ferri, director of thoracic and upper gastrointestinal surgery at the McGill University Health Centre, stated, “We’ve taken patients’ specific tumours, we created their own avatar.” This experimental tool recreates a patient’s tumor and surrounding tissues, allowing researchers to assess how they might respond to various treatments.

In their findings published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, the team observed that in four of the organ chips, the cancer cells were eliminated by the treatment, while in the other four, the cells persisted. These results correlated precisely with the patients’ actual responses to chemotherapy. “I think this is actually transformative,” Ferri noted, reflecting on the potential impact on cancer care.

The organ chip technology was developed by Donald Ingber and his colleagues at Harvard’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering. The chip not only replicates the tumor but also incorporates micro-channels for various cell types and fluid that mimics blood and connective tissue. This comprehensive approach captures critical factors that traditional lab tests often overlook.

The shift toward using organoids and organ chips represents a significant step in reducing reliance on animal testing for drug discovery. Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, a professor of biomedical engineering at Columbia University, emphasized that this technology could provide a faster, more ethical bridge between animal studies and human clinical trials. Vunjak-Novakovic and her team have utilized stem cells from a blood sample of a child with cardiomyopathy to create heart tissue on an organ chip, successfully identifying a suitable drug for the patient’s condition.

Regulatory agencies are increasingly recognizing the value of organoids in medical research. In September 2023, the U.S. National Institutes of Health launched the first dedicated organoid development center in the United States. The center aims to create standardized organoid models to expedite drug discovery while minimizing the use of animals in experiments. In Canada, Health Canada is implementing strategies to “replace, reduce, or refine” animal testing, aligning with similar goals from provincial leaders like Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

As research progresses, organoids and organ chips hold promise for developing safer and more effective treatments for various conditions, including cancer. Milica Radisic, a professor at the University of Toronto, noted that organ chips can be instrumental in customizing treatments based on individual patient needs. “Tell me about me. That’s what people care about, right?” she remarked, underscoring the desire for personalized medicine.

Despite being in early experimental stages, the ongoing work at McGill’s lab aims to facilitate the analysis of tumor samples from patients across Ontario and Manitoba, with plans to expand to British Columbia. While the current cost of implementing this technology can reach up to $30,000 per patient sample, advancements in automation may help reduce these expenses.

The future of organoid research could reshape cancer treatment, with the potential to tailor therapies to fit individual genetic profiles. Bioethicist Kalina Kamenova highlighted the importance of scaling this research to ensure its benefits reach all patients. “How do we ensure that it brings benefits for everyone in society?” she asked, emphasizing the need for equitable access to these advancements.

The promising results from organoid and organ chip research may soon lead to significant changes in how cancer therapies are developed and delivered, offering hope for more effective and personalized treatment options for patients worldwide.