Piattaforma di modelli 3D innovativi per la medicina personalizzata e lo studio del microambiente tumorale

The BIONET-PM project aims to address the healthcare challenges in the Italy-Switzerland cross-border area, specifically the incidence of oncological diseases, which increase the demand for and costs of healthcare. To counteract therapy resistance and improve personalized medicine, the project will develop advanced 3D models based on patient-derived organoids from solid and hematological tumors. This innovative platform will enable predictive analyses and the evaluation of alternative therapies, accelerating treatment validation and reducing costs and burdens. Specifically, the project will be structured into three operational lines: i) Construction of the tumor model biobank: This will be established at UPO Biobank and will be based on the systematic collection of PDOs and 3D models, following shared SOPs and an ethical-regulatory framework compliant with FAIR principles. The biobank will ensure traceability, quality, and accessibility of resources beyond the project duration, ensuring long-term sustainability. ii) Development of innovative technologies for 3D co-cultures: EOC will optimize advanced co-culture models with tumor cells and the specific microenvironment for the considered tumors. These systems will improve predictability compared to traditional models, offering a more accurate representation of conditions promoting chemoresistance and tumor progression. iii) Therapeutic screening: The platform will allow for predictive analyses for the clinical use of existing therapies and the evaluation of new therapeutic combinations. In addition to improving clinical practice through the implementation of the generated platform into the routine therapeutic decision-making of the involved hospitals and others in the future, the project also aims to enhance the scientific and technological skills of the area to foster research, attract investment, and train qualified professionals.