Innovative Bioengineered Hydrogel Extends Preservation of Live Tumor Tissues for Advanced Cancer Research

Researchers from the National University of Singapore have developed a cutting-edge hydrogel-based platform that closely mimics the natural tumor environment, allowing for the prolonged preservation of live patient-derived tumor tissues in laboratory settings. This novel approach could significantly enhance the testing and development of cancer treatments, especially for peritoneal metastases—a challenging and often fatal form of abdominal cancers. Unlike traditional culture methods where tumor tissues tend to shrink, break down, and lose viability within days, the newly engineered hydrogel maintains tissue integrity and viability for over 12 days, more than double the current standard.

This bioengineered hydrogel is customizable and replicates key features of the body's internal environment, including immune and connective tissue components, which are vital for understanding tumor behavior and response to therapies. The research team, led by Assistant Professor Eliza Fong and Associate Professor Johnny Ong, incorporated ascites fluid—commonly found in patients with peritoneal metastases—into their model. This addition revealed that ascites significantly impacts tumor response to chemotherapy, emphasizing the importance of including patient-specific factors in preclinical testing.

Using this platform, the scientists tested standard chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin and doxorubicin, alongside experimental therapies targeting proteins in ascites fluid. Their findings showed considerable variation in drug responses across different patient samples, highlighting the potential for personalized treatment strategies. Moreover, advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed that key cell types—immune cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells—were preserved in proportions similar to the original tumors, ensuring the model faithfully represents in vivo conditions.

This innovative hydrogel system addresses limitations of conventional tumor culture methods by preventing tissue contraction and degradation through inhibiting myosin II-mediated contraction, creating a supportive 3D environment that better mirrors the human body. The platform not only enhances drug development efforts but also opens new avenues for precision oncology, offering hope for patients with limited current treatment options.

The study emphasizing these findings was published on May 20, 2025, in the journal Advanced Materials. The researchers believe this technology will facilitate more reliable drug testing and the development of personalized therapies, ultimately advancing cancer research and treatment outcomes.