Analyzing the Suppressive TME in in Vitro Based Assays

Experts describe how the tumor microenvironment modulates clinical responses and how patient-derived ex vivo and engineered in vitro models can be used for pre-clinical immuno-oncology testing.

Dr. Nataliia Beztsinna and Dr. Marten Hornsveld describe the role of tumor microenvironment (TME) compartments in clinical responses, as well as ex vivo patient-derived tissue technologies capable of maintaining the native TME for pre-clinical testing. Complex in vitro models with the use of human stromal and immune co-cultures are discussed, together with the advantages of HCI to quantify intact tumor biology.

Key Topics Include:
• Examine the key components of the TME that affect immunotherapy responses. Discuss the main approaches to analyse the TME composition and the differences between ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ solid tumors

• Identify ex vivo assays capable of maintaining native human TME. Discuss the advantages of high content imaging assay on fresh patient tissue in 3D for deciphering complex immuno-oncology drug responses

• Comparison between in vitro based assays containing native TME or reconstituted TME

• How myeloid cells in the TME affect tumors and methods to study and target this compartment

• Advances in modelling the mesenchymal TME compartment in vitro and constructing pre-clinical mini-tumor platforms