Abstract 202: Perfused patient-derived tumor organoid models with autologous immune cells for preclinical drug development

Abstract The paradigm shift towards inclusion of primary patient samples in preclinical drug development bottlenecks at the tissue procurement step due to an on-going lack of ’research-ready’ tumor samples. Organoid technology was developed as a solution to this hurdle. Their ability to expand in culture makes them a renewable resource similar to cell lines while recapitulating key properties of the primary tissue, including tumor heterogeneity, structural organization and drug responses. As preclinical drug development continues to adopt organoid-based screening technology and immune-oncology agents continue to be advanced, there is high demand for more complex organoid-based models capable of more accurately predicting individual patient drug responses. Due to their development process, the vast majority of organoids do not contain immune cells, resulting in the need to utilize allogeneic immune cells for any immune cell involved interrogation of the models. Maintaining the immune cells for incorporation with the organoid model can overcome this hindrance. Additionally, perfused organoid models offer a complex, ex vivo model with the ability to replicate the mechanical forces imparted by blood flow and interstitial pressure. Compared to 2D and static 3D cultures, perfused 3D culture models show enhanced proliferative and migratory capacities and can be sustained as long-term cultures. In our previous studies, DNA methylation signatures in patient-derived breast microtumors grown in Kiyatec’s 3DKUBE™ perfusion bioreactor matched the primary tissues of derivation. Given the need for more complex biology when assessing immune-oncology agents, the physiological relevance in maintaining gene expression ex vivo, and the capability to sustain long-term viability, the impact of autologous immune cells and perfusion on the success of organotypic culture was investigated across a panel of primary patient tumors. Immune cells were profiled for status and activity and imaging and viability assays were used to evaluate static and perfused 3D organoid models for differences in viability and morphology. PCR was used to examine how mechanically transduced forces alter gene expression and DNA methylation signatures. Drug responses were measured using our KIYA-Predict™ platform, comparing organoid drug responses to primary tissue drug responses. Results of this study provide insight on alternative methods of organotypic culture and evidence for the utilization of more complex tissue modeling in preclinical drug development. Citation Format: Melissa Millard, Natalie Dance, Teresa M. DesRochers. Perfused patient-derived tumor organoid models with autologous immune cells for preclinical drug development [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 202.