Researchers are pioneering a method to better predict treatments for advanced bowel cancer, Australia’s second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Using tumour samples from patients, they are creating 3D models, known as organoids, which are then tested with various therapies to determine the most effective options. Professor Peter Gibbs, a medical oncologist at WEHI, explains that these tiny organoids allow the team to experiment with different drugs and dosages, significantly reducing guesswork in treatment.
Recent studies published in Cell Reports Medicine demonstrate that the technology can accurately identify effective treatments and eliminate ineffective ones with up to 90% accuracy. A clinical trial is set to commence in Melbourne hospitals to further explore how this approach can assist healthcare professionals and patients in real-world scenarios.
For patients like Meri Dimovska, who was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, this innovation represents hope amid uncertainty. She shared her relief at the prospect of a tailored treatment plan, as many patients experience anxiety regarding the effectiveness of their therapies. With this breakthrough, the aim is to shorten the trial-and-error phase often associated with cancer treatment, potentially saving valuable time for patients who need effective solutions promptly.