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# / #DKTKZFB26# / #NCTZFB26#

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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)
7. Koordinierungsstelle NCT Heidelberg (HD02)
8. Koordinierungsstelle NCT Dresden (DD04)
9. Translationale funktionelle Krebsgenomik (B280)

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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