Derivation and study of organoids from cancer patients (IRAS 203519)

We will grow miniature models of tumours (called organoids) from patient samples covering a wide range of cancers. These will enable the research community to study how cancers develop and respond to treatments to help create better, more personalised cancer therapies.

Traditional cancer cell lines do not fully represent the diversity of real cancers. This study will create improved 3D cancer models from patient samples to better understand cancer biology, drug response, and tumour diversity, helping researchers identify new treatments and biomarkers for more personalised cancer care.

Rationale

This study aims to create improved laboratory models of cancer using patient samples such as tumour tissue, blood, and other bodily fluids. Researchers will grow miniature 3D tumour models, called organoids, which more closely resemble real cancers than traditional cell lines. These models will help scientists better understand how cancers develop, change, and respond to treatments.

The study will compare the genetic features of the organoids with the original patient samples to see how accurately they reflect the cancer. Researchers will also test different anti-cancer drugs on the models to identify treatments that may work best for certain patients and to discover new biomarkers linked to drug response.

By studying a wide range of cancer types and sharing the anonymised models and data with researchers worldwide, the project hopes to improve cancer research and support the development of more personalised and effective cancer treatments.

Aims

The study aims to

• Develop and evaluate next-generation cancer cell models, including organoids, using patient tumour and normal tissue samples
• Examine how well these models reflect the genetics and behaviour of the original tumours
• Study tumour diversity and drug response
• Identify new genetic changes linked to cancer development and treatment response
• Discover new therapies and biomarkers
• Improve understanding of personalised medicine
• Create a widely accessible resource of cancer models and genomic data for the research community

Primary Outcome

The derivation of approximately 250 new cancer cell lines

Key Secondary outcome(s)

• To generate a bank of cancer cell lines that can be accessed by researchers in academia and in the commercial sector for ‘not-for-profit’ and ‘for-profit’ research, allowing all areas of research to benefit from improved cancer models
• The development of a drug to a new target
• Insights to reduce the severity of side effects for patients receiving treatment for cancer

Study Type

Observational

Participant and Sample Information

Populations involved:

Participants are patients undergoing biopsy or surgery for cancers.

Countries of recruitment:

UK

Approximate participant or sample numbers (if applicable):

1250

Key inclusion criteria:

Samples from adult, living cancer patients from the following studies/biobanks:

• OCCAMS study (Cambridge University) REC 10/H0305/1
• NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Biobank REC 10/S0704/60
• Colorectal cancer – REC Reference number: 07/H0504/125
• Pancreatic cancer – REC Reference number: 10/H0502/72
• General surgery (surplus tissue) – Tissue Bank HTA licence no. 12009

Key exclusion criteria:

Those falling outside the above listed studies.

Recruitment status:

Non-recruiting: Pre-collected samples only.

Governance and Ethical Approval

Governance and oversight:

Study Sponsor: Wellcome Sanger Institute

All work conducted at the Wellcome Sanger Institute is reviewed and overseen by institutional Research Governance processes, ensuring compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements.

Ethical approval:

This study has been reviewed by the London – Camden and King’s Cross NHS Research Ethics Committee. The study received REC approval on 13 June 2016.

IRAS 203519

REC reference: 16/LO/1110

Data and Sample Use

Data sharing:

Anonymised DNA sequence data are stored in the European Genome-Phenome Archive (EGA) and made available to bonafide researchers via managed access, subject to data access agreements. Anonymised samples and cultured cells may also be shared with other legitimate research organisations under appropriate legal agreements.

IPD sharing statement

Deidentified individual participant-level data (IPD) will not be shared as part of this study.

Completion date

Ongoing

Further Information

For enquiries about the scientific aims of this study or potential collaboration, please contact the relevant scientific programme at https://www.sanger.ac.uk/programme/somatic-genomics/

For enquiries relating to research governance, ethics, or regulatory oversight, please contact the Research Governance team at researchgovernance@sanger.ac.uk.