Protocol for a patient-derived preclinical platform to model tumor-immune interactions and evaluate therapeutic efficacy
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Here, we present a protocol for a preclinical ex vivo platform combining experimental flexibility with preservation of the tumor microenvironment. We outline steps for isolating human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), preparing patient-derived precision-cut tumor slices (PCTSs), cryopreserving the samples, and setting up the co-culture system. We provide instructions for treatment applications, interactions, and analyzing therapy responses. By preserving tumor architecture and heterogeneity, this model is applicable for evaluating tumor characteristics, immune interactions, and treatment efficacy in translational cancer research. • Integration of PCTS and PBMCs to model patient-specific tumor-immune environments • Steps to cryopreserve PCTS and PBMCs for flexible scheduling and long-term storage • Procedures to evaluate therapeutic efficacy within one week of co-culture experiments • Guidance on diverse analyses using a patient-derived ex vivo co-culture model Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. Here, we present a protocol for a preclinical ex vivo platform combining experimental flexibility with preservation of the tumor microenvironment. We outline steps for isolating human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), preparing patient-derived precision-cut tumor slices (PCTSs), cryopreserving the samples, and setting up the co-culture system. We provide instructions for treatment applications, interactions, and analyzing therapy responses. By preserving tumor architecture and heterogeneity, this model is applicable for evaluating tumor characteristics, immune interactions, and treatment efficacy in translational cancer research.
Source: STAR Protocols
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,550
Funders: U.S. Department of Defense, Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program, National Institutes of Health, University of California, Davis, Office of the President, University of California, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine
OpenAlex ID: W4407190494