Research advances in cancer treatment: Human-based models gain popularity

Research advances in cancer treatment: Human-based models gain popularity

Hey there! Let's dive into the world of immuno-oncology and the latest advancements made by the Joint Research Centre (JRC). They've added an impressive new knowledge base of 542 models used in the immuno-oncology field to their library of non-animal models for biomedical research.

Envision a scenario where around 2.7 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in the EU-27 in 2020, posing a significant challenge for healthcare systems and society as a whole. The connection between an inefficient immune system and cancer has been a hot topic, leading to breakthroughs in therapies that aim to rejuvenate and strengthen the immune system's ability to attack tumor cells.

Unfortunately, traditional animal models frequently fall short in accurately replicating essential human physiology aspects and accurately predicting patient responses to immuno-therapies. This limitation has hindered the development of new, more effective treatment strategies, driving an urgent need to utilize more functional and human-relevant non-animal models.

To gain valuable insights into the trends of human-based in vitro and in silico models being utilized effectively in immuno-oncology research, the JRC's European Union Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM) conducted a study. This study comprised a systematic literature review of scientific papers on immuno-oncology, with promising advanced non-animal models identified.

The resulting knowledge base, presented in an easy-to-use spreadsheet format, is available for free download from the EURL ECVAM Collection in the JRC Data Catalogue. This resource serves not only researchers, who can leverage the findings to address their research questions, but also educators, funding bodies, and competent authorities.

What's more, the JRC produces a technical report that delves deeper into the identified models, outlining the state-of-the-art from various perspectives, including predominant model types, typical usage scenarios, and emerging trends. To provide a brief overview, they also offer an executive summary.

This knowledge base forms part of a series of studies undertaken by the JRC EURL ECVAM in various areas, such as neurodegenerative diseases, respiratory diseases, and breast cancer. To learn about the next steps, check out their life sciences research webpage. Stay informed and contribute to the exciting advancements in the field of immuno-oncology research!

Now, while the provided results do not offer specific trends identified by JRC EURL ECVAM, there are some general tendencies to watch out for:

• The increasing adoption of organoids and microphysiological systems, as they replicate human tissue complexity and provide insight into immune-tumor interactions.
• Emphasis on developing and validating human-relevant models that better mimic the human tumor microenvironment and immune responses, addressing the flaws of animal models.
• The combination of in silico and in vitro approaches, using computational modeling and high-throughput in vitro assays to predict immune responses and therapeutic outcomes.

For the most accurate and up-to-date trends, consult JRC or EURL ECVAM official publications directly. The current search results imply a growing emphasis on human-based technologies and non-animal models within biomedical research. Check out the JRC Data Catalogue, technical report, executive summary, and life sciences research webpage to keep yourself informed on this fascinating topic!

1. The latest advancements in immuno-oncology research, such as the use of organoids and microphysiological systems, highlight a growing focus on replicating human tissue complexity and understanding immune-tumor interactions, aiming to overcome the limitations of traditional animal models.
2. As part of their mission to drive advancements in the field of health and wellness, particularly in addressing medical-conditions like cancer, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) is emphasizing the development and validation of human-relevant models that more accurately mimic the human tumor microenvironment and immune responses.
3. In line with the goal of improving healthcare data and ensuring the most effective treatments for health challenges like cancer, the JRC is combining in silico and in vitro approaches, using computational modeling and high-throughput in vitro assays to predict immune responses and therapeutic outcomes more accurately.

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