Ovarian Cancer Ascites-Derived Organoids as a Preclinical Platform to Predict Therapeutical Responses

Principal Investigator: 
Sara Ricardo
Leader Institution: 
CESPU
Research Team: 
Sara Ricardo, Raquel Almeida, Diana Nunes, Mariana Nunes
Funding entity: 
CESPU
Budget: 
5.500€
Abstract: 

Ascites (Greek meaning Askos) is an inflammatory process that induces the abnormal accumulation of fluid into the peritoneal cavity and is a common feature in advanced ovarian cancer (OC). In almost all patients, the recurrent disease is accompanied by the accumulation of ovarian cancer ascites (ASKOC) and is associated with chemoresistance and poor prognosis. ASKOC comprises a reservoir of a complex mixture of cellular and acellular components which provides a pro-inflammatory and tumor promoting microenvironment for cancer cells. The accessibility to ASKOC and its cellular components makes it a unique source to track tumor progression and a key element to overcome chemoresistance. The aim of this project is to use ASKOC tumor cells to produce patient-derived organoids that reflect chemoresistant phenotype and clinical responses. We plan to use ASKOC-derived organoids to create a personalized drug sensitivity and synergy test capable of guiding clinical decisions in a short-time frame. The development of patient-derived ex vivo drug tests capable of predicting drug responses constitutes an important step towards a personalized medicine.

Program: 
GI2-CESPU-2022