Using patient-derived tumor organoids to find better cancer treatments
Official title: A Patient-Centric Approach to Advance Functional Precision Oncology
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10933449 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to treat ovarian and pancreatic cancer by creating tiny models of patients' tumors to see how they respond to different drugs, with the hope of finding new treatments that work even when current ones don't.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,007,878 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA282109-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933449 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, or other tumors who have experienced treatment resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers that have not yet undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a patient-centric approach to combat drug resistance in various cancers, including ovarian and pancreatic cancer. By creating patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs), researchers aim to identify and validate new drug targets and therapies that can effectively overcome resistance to existing treatments. The study utilizes advanced assays to analyze how these organoids respond to different drugs, providing insights that could lead to personalized treatment options for patients. The goal is to translate laboratory findings into practical solutions that improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments tailored to individual patients, particularly those who have developed drug resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar approaches with patient-derived models, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kemp, Christopher J — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Kemp, Christopher J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.