A Steady Source for Non-immortalized Primary Breast Cancer Cells
Reference Number TO 15-00027
The Challenge
Today, pre-clinical breast cancer research is based on immortalized cell lines. These lines generally have undergone multiple modifications which influence their biological properties, and it is most likely that they no longer reflect the characteristics of the primary tumor. It is becoming increasingly evident that the use of established cell lines compromises the outcome of screening protocols, and may lead to the wrongful dismissal of otherwise promising drug candidates. To increase objectivity in pre-clinical evaluation, it is utterly important to develop new in-vitro models for breast cancer research. A promising approach is the use of primary-culture cells, directly retrieved from tumor biopsies. However, state-of-the-art culture conditions limit the number of cell passages, preventing the use of a single cell origin in a continuous and standardized assay protocol.
Tissue section of breast cancer tumor (Source: Fred Hutchinson Center)
The Technology
The invention relates to a method for the enrichment and cultivation of primary breast cancer cells without prior immortalization. It provides a source for “real” tumor cells, which allow a more objective scenario for testing drug-sensitivity than using artificially altered cancer cell lines.
Commercial Opportunity
In-licensing opportunity for a method to expand primary tumor cells.
Patent Situation
A patent family based on WO002006105777A1 has been established.
Further reading
International patent publication number WO002006105777A1.
