Improving the use of patient-derived organoids for testing cancer drugs

Increasing organoid reproducibility and complexity for drug testing and disease modeling

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11064662

This study is working on making tiny, lab-grown versions of tumors from patients to help find the best cancer treatments for them, using new techniques to make these models more like real tumors so doctors can better predict how well different drugs will work.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11064662 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of patient-derived organoids (PDOs) as models for testing cancer drugs. By creating more complex and reproducible 3D tissue models, the project aims to better predict how patients will respond to various cancer treatments. The approach involves innovative techniques called '4D tissue fabrication' to improve the growth and organization of these organoids, making them more representative of actual tumors. This could lead to more personalized treatment options for patients who do not respond to standard therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who have not responded to first-line treatments and may benefit from personalized drug testing.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancer who have not yet undergone treatment may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments tailored to individual patients' needs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using organoid models for drug testing, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents, anti-cancer drug, Anti-Cancer Drug Screens, anti-cancer research, Anticancer Drug Sensitivity Tests

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.