Abstract

Preclinical drug testing requires 3D models closely resembling tumors growing in vivo. Therefore, this project is focused on the application of colon carcinoma patient-derived 3D models such as spheroids, organoids or organotypic slice cultures (OTSC) for the prediction of drug efficacy. Methodology for 3D model cultivation in conditions mimicking the colonic environment is being introduced. We try to develop tools for rapid and reliable drug testing in cell-type-heterogeneous 3D models based on the automatic morphometric analysis and the registration of signals from distinct microscopy imaging modalities. Thus, drug combinations for the effective elimination of cancer cells preserving the viability of healthy tissue will be selected. The effect of selected cancer-associated gut bacterial species on drug cytotoxicity will be defined. The results should contribute to precise pre-clinical drug-testing and eventually to the prediction of drug efficacy in personalized medicine.