Journal Article

DKFZ-2026-01479

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Integration and validation of complementary ex vivo assays for functional precision oncology.

Loboda, A. (First author)DKFZ* ; Paluncic, J. ; Freitas, M. ; Weidmann, M.DKFZ* ; Herter, S.DKFZ* ; Zeiser, C.DKFZ* ; Schulz, J. P. ; Jády, A. ; Blattner-Johnson, M.DKFZ* ; Autry, R. J.DKFZ* ; Frese, K. ; Lupar, D.DKFZ* ; Schneider, M. ; Imle, R.DKFZ* ; Banito, A.DKFZ* ; Glimm, H.DKFZ* ; Witt, O.DKFZ* ; Peterziel, H.DKFZ* ; Kelm, J. M. ; Ball, C.DKFZ* ; Oehme, I. (Last author)DKFZ*

2026
Springer Nature [London]

Abstract: Functional precision oncology (FPO) enables individualized therapy selection using patient-derived tumor models, yet the concordance of distinct ex vivo testing strategies remains unclear. Here, we compare two orthogonal drug sensitivity platforms across molecularly characterized models spanning diverse pediatric (n = 13) and adult (n = 6) cancers. A rapid ATP-based assay quantifies viability within three days, whereas a long-term dynamic image-based platform captures microtumor dynamics over two weeks, incorporating pharmacokinetic features. Up to 50 drugs were profiled across both platforms, with additional combinations evaluated in the long-term assay; genomics-guided targeted drugs served as benchmarks. Both approaches robustly distinguished responders from non-responders and showed strong agreement in therapeutic prioritization (96.5% within 95% limits of agreement). The long-term dynamic platform achieved 81% sensitivity and 78% specificity, while resolving response depth and distinguishing cytostatic from cytotoxic effects. A representative sarcoma case highlights clinical relevance: long-term dynamic profiling predicted disease progression, whereas the short-term assay captured early treatment-associated viability effects. These findings establish cross-platform reproducibility in FPO and provide a systematic benchmarking of such approaches. Defining their complementary utility will be essential for integrating FPO strategies into clinical decision-making.

Note: #EA:B310#LA:B310#

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. KKE Pädiatrische Onkologie (B310)
2. DKTK HD zentral (HD01)
3. Pädiatrische Gliomforschung (B360)
4. Pädiatrische Neuroonkologie (B062)
5. NWG Weichteilsarkome (B380)
6. DKTK Koordinierungsstelle Dresden (DD01)

Research Program(s):

1. 312 - Funktionelle und strukturelle Genomforschung (POF4-312) (POF4-312)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; Article Processing Charges ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; DOAJ Seal ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; PubMed Central ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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