Organoids, Innovation, and Hope: Transforming Pancreatic Cancer Therapies

Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic carcinoma) remains one of the most challenging forms of cancer to treat, spurring global efforts to explore new therapeutic avenues. One such groundbreaking initiative is the “mikroPank” research network, a collaboration between the University Medical Center Halle and the Institute of Pharmacy at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU). This innovative project is setting new standards in the development of realistic tumor models to enhance the effectiveness of treatment strategies.

The ambitious scope of “mikroPank” is supported by substantial financial backing, with a funding total of 3.7 million euros. This funding is provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in partnership with the Saxony-Anhalt Ministry of Science. Such generous support underscores the importance of this research and its potential to revolutionize pancreatic cancer treatment.

The Relationship Between Tumors and Their Environment

One of the most intriguing aspects of pancreatic cancer research lies in the complex interactions between tumors and their surrounding environment. “Tumors manipulate other cells in their immediate vicinity to gain advantages and grow faster. At the same time, the environment influences the tumors. The cellular interplay has far-reaching implications for how tumors respond to certain therapies. It can vary greatly between individual cancer patients, depending on genetic differences,” explains Junior Professor Dr. Michael Böttcher, Group Leader for Molecular Medicine of Signal Transduction and spokesperson for the “mikroPank” project at the Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU).

To replicate the individuality and complexity of pancreatic tumors in the laboratory, researchers in Halle are employing organoid cultures as part of the “mikroPank” initiative. These organoids are small, three-dimensional units of tumor cells derived directly from patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. By doing so, they aim to preserve the unique genetic and molecular characteristics of each patient’s tumor within the cultured organoids. This approach allows researchers to account for variations in tumors across different patients, as well as the diversity of tumor cells within a single patient.

The researchers also plan to advance this work by co-cultivating the cancer cells with other relevant cells from the tumor microenvironment. These include fibroblasts from connective tissue, macrophages from the immune system, and adipocytes from adipose tissue. This co-culture technique is designed to better mimic the natural tumor environment, thereby enhancing the potential for more accurate and personalized insights into pancreatic cancer biology and treatment strategies.

“Some tumors develop resistance to common chemotherapies, so they no longer respond to treatment, but so far too little is known about how and why tumors develop resistance. There is also no test yet to detect this at an early stage. With the help of tumour organoids, we hope to understand more about the interaction of cells with their genetic characteristics,” says pharmacist Prof. Dr. Sonja Kessler, “mikroPank” spokesperson at the Institute of Pharmacy of the Faculty of Natural Sciences I at MLU. Additionally, organoids could pave the way for developing patient-specific therapies, thereby minimizing the need for unnecessary and high-risk treatments.

The “mikroPank” project integrates the scientific expertise of multiple institutions to advance pancreatic cancer research. At the Clinic for Visceral, Vascular, and Endocrine Surgery, where pancreatic cancer is surgically treated, different cell types are isolated for study. These cells are then used to produce organoids in the field of molecular medicine under the guidance of Jun.-Prof. Dr. Michael Böttcher.

The characterization of these cell types is conducted in co-cell cultures by the collaborative efforts of research groups in surgery (Prof. Dr. Jörg Kleeff), the Clinic for Internal Medicine I (Prof. Dr. Jonas Rosendahl), and pharmacy (Prof. Dr. Sonja Kessler). Additionally, carrier materials designed to support co-cultures of various cell types are developed in the pharmacy department under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Karsten Mäder.

What Makes the Project Credible?

Clinically, the project operates within the Pancreatic Cancer Center at the University Medical Center Halle, which holds certification from the German Cancer Aid. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a robust framework for advancing the understanding and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

This project addresses a critical health challenge—pancreatic cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Germany, with approximately 20,000 cases annually. This disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it particularly difficult to treat. Tragically, less than ten percent of patients survive beyond five years after their diagnosis. In Saxony-Anhalt, malignant tumors of the digestive organs account for one-third of cancer deaths, with pancreatic cancer ranking second only to colorectal cancer.

“Research on personalised therapeutic approaches at the University of Halle’s medicine and pharmacy could help to avoid unnecessary therapies in the future and thus improve the quality of life of those affected. I am pleased that we can make another forward-looking research project possible through the use of EU funds,” explains Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann, Minister of Science of the State of Saxony-Anhalt.

The success of “mikroPank” is bolstered by the strong collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Natural Sciences at MLU. This partnership is further exemplified by the Research Training Group “InCuPANC,” funded by the German Research Foundation. Within this framework, scientists are already conducting in-depth research into the role of inflammatory processes in the early stages of pancreatic cancer. Their work aims to uncover potential pathways for early diagnosis and the development of new therapeutic approaches, highlighting the interdisciplinary efforts driving innovation in this critical area of cancer research.

Hope for the Future: Redefining Pancreatic Cancer Outcomes

The ‘mikroPank’ project represents a beacon of hope in the fight against one of the deadliest forms of cancer. By leveraging innovative approaches like patient-specific organoid cultures and interdisciplinary collaboration, this groundbreaking initiative is paving the way for more effective and personalized treatments for pancreatic cancer. With the support of substantial funding and cutting-edge research, ‘mikroPank’ not only holds promise for transforming patient care but also sets a new standard for scientific exploration in oncology. As researchers continue to unlock the mysteries of tumor biology and resistance, the potential for earlier diagnoses and life-saving therapies becomes ever closer to reality, offering renewed hope for patients and their families.

Link to the research paper: https://www.umh.de/news/forschung-zu-bauchspeicheldruesenkrebs-in-mikropank

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