O02 - Integrative Precision Oncology Platform Using Organoid–Based Drug Sensitivity Testing Combined with IHC and Molecular Panels

Abstract:

Background: In veterinary oncology, anticancer drug selection is largely guided by tumor histology and empirical clinical judgment, despite marked inter-patient heterogeneity in therapeutic response. In particular, the selection of targeted therapies remains challenging, underscoring the need for a more integrative platform to support precision treatment decisions.


Objectives: To evaluate an integrative platform combining patient-derived cancer organoids (PDOs) drug sensitivity testing with molecular and protein-level analyses.

Animals: Thirty-three companion animal patients with naturally occurring solid tumors were included.


Methods: PDOs were established and screened with multiple cytotoxic and targeted anticancer agents. Drug responses were quantified using ATP-based viability assays in combination with IHC and qRT-PCR analyses.


Results: IHC panel and qRT-PCR results showed similar patterns to organoid-based drug response outcomes for selected target drugs. Based on integrative interpretation of functional and molecular data, targeted therapy with toceranib or lapatinib was administered in a subset of patients. Patients who received integrative testing–guided targeted therapy showed significantly longer survival compared with those who did not (mean survival: 176 vs. 71 days; p = 0.0447).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Integrative analysis combining organoid-based anticancer drug sensitivity testing with genetic and protein-level profiling enables more precise selection of targeted therapies in companion animal oncology. This approach supports the implementation of patient-specific precision medicine and represents a promising and innovative platform for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes in veterinary practice.