Columbia Engineering researchers have developed the first multi-organ chip capable of replicating how cancer spreads from a primary tumor to distant organs, offering a groundbreaking tool for cancer research.
Led by Professor Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, the team engineered human bone and lung tissues connected by vascular flow carrying circulating breast cancer cells, allowing direct observation of metastasis in a lab setting using real human cells rather than animal models.
Professor Vunjak-Novakovic highlighted the model's significant advantages, stating, "The key advantages of this advanced model of metastasis are that it is human and can be patient-specific. It faithfully mimics some of the key aspects of human metastasis that are otherwise largely inaccessible for direct study." This innovative approach bypasses the limitations of animal models, whose biological differences from humans have historically hindered the success of metastasis-targeting drugs.
Metastasis is responsible for at least two-thirds of all cancer-related deaths, making effective research into its mechanisms crucial. This new multi-organ chip fills a critical void in preclinical research, providing a more accurate and relevant platform for understanding cancer progression and developing new therapies.