Next-Generation Tools for Metastasis Research: Insights from Initio Cell’s Organ-on-Chip Platforms

Breast cancer metastasis remains one of the most serious challenges in cancer treatment. Traditional models for studying metastasis often fall short in accurately mimicking the clinical progression of the disease, therefore lengthening the drug development process. Recognizing these limitations, our team at Initio Cell show how organ-on-chip platforms canpredict the metastatic potential and homing preferences of cancer cells in alignment with clinical results. As a result, drug development becomes more efficient and effective.

The Need for Advanced Models

Animal models, while useful to a certain extent, are costly, time-consuming, and limited in throughput. Furthermore, FDA Modernization Act 2.0 endorses the use of alternatives to animal testing, such as cell-based assays and computer models, which align with the capabilities of organ-on-chip (OoC) systems.

 

Our Innovative Platforms: IC-chip and EX-chip

 

In a study we have performed, our team employed two of our organ-on-chip platforms: the invasion/chemotaxis (IC-chip) and extravasation (EX-chip) chips. Our state-of-the-art assays simulate lung, liver, and breast microenvironments using tissue-specific cells embedded in 3D matrix, allowing us to quantitatively assess cancer cell invasion and extravasation.

 

Key Findings

 

• Invasion/Chemotaxis Assessment: Using the IC-chip, we found that breast cancer cells that metastasize in-vivo also showed metastasis in our models, whereas non-metastasizing cells did not, which is in correlation with what is observed in the clinic.

• Extravasation Assessment: The EX-chip revealed that metastatic breast cancer cells extravasated more into the lung microenvironment compared to the liver and breast microenvironments, in agreement with clinical observations. Plus, lung-specific MDA-MB-231 clones demonstrated a higher invasion and extravasation efficiency into lung mimicking tissue than bone-specific clones.

• Interestingly, invasion/chemotaxis assay was sufficient to determine metastatic potential and homing choices.

 

These findings align with published clinical data and demonstrate that our invasion and extravasation assays can distinguish between different in vivo metastatic phenotypes in vitro. This capability is crucial for improving diagnosis and selecting appropriate therapies for breast cancer patients. To read further into our research, please click here.

 

Advancing Drug Development with Initio Cell’s CRO Solutions

 

Initio Cell’s organ-on-chip technology embodies a transformative approach to preclinical research. By integrating these advanced platforms, researchers and pharmaceutical companies can explore new dimensions in drug development. Our CRO solutions not only provide cost-effective and time-efficient alternatives to traditional models but also enhance the accuracy and relevance of biological data. These advancements enable a more clinically relevant understanding of cancer, ultimately supporting more informed decision-making in drug development and precision medicine.

 

Looking Ahead

 

As the field of preclinical research evolves, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 paves the way for broader adoption of innovative testing methods, including organ-on-chip technology. At Initio Cell, we are committed to leading this transformation, offering innovative solutions that align with regulatory advancements and address the critical needs of modern drug development.

 

We invite you to discover how Initio Cell’s groundbreaking organ-on-chip solutions can redefine your research and development strategies. For an in-depth look at our study on the tissue-specific metastatic potential of breast cancer, explore our latest research and see how our technology can make a difference.