Molecular characterization and personalized in vitro models for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer (Dr. med. Dilara Akhoundova, Medical Oncologist).
Molecular characterization of prostate cancer (PCa) primary and metastatic tumors has led to discovery of targetable molecular alterations, with relevant impact on treatment strategy and patient outcome. Still, few molecularly targeted treatment options are available for advanced PCa, and discovery of novel treatment targets and therapeutic sensitivities is needed. Tumor organoids grow indefinitely in vitro and can be cryopreserved in living biobanks, generating functional repositories. These organoids can be employed to in vitro study the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor survival and therapy resistance, as well as tumor therapeutic sensitivities. Currently few in vitro organoid models of advanced PCa are available world-wide. Within this project and employing patient-derived PCa organoids, we aim to improve understanding of the biological mechanisms leading to PCa progression and therapy resistance, as well as identify novel treatment targets and therapeutic sensitivities of advanced PCa.
This project is supported by the ISREC Fondation Recherche Cancer and the Werner und Hedy Berger-Janser Stiftung.