Production, Genomic Profiling, and Drug Response Analysis of Patient-Derived Primary Colorectal Cancer Organoids

Colorectal cancer is a malignant disease characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or rectum, and it is among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Driven by the complex interplay of genetic predisposition, dietary habits, and environmental factors, early diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches are vital. Personalized medicine is critical in colorectal cancer care; organoid biobanks—where patient-derived tissues are expanded as three-dimensional cultures in the laboratory—provide an indispensable platform for both drug development and patient-specific treatment simulations.

The goal of our project is to establish Türkiye’s first primary colorectal cancer organoid biobank. Using characterized and cryopreserved organoids, drug sensitivity analyses will be performed with FDA-approved and investigational anticancer agents. The outcomes of the project are anticipated to have commercial potential in the development, testing, and validation of biotechnological products for cancer treatment, as well as to support a clinical decision-making system that assists clinicians in predicting how patients will respond to therapy. In particular, the organoid biobank and drug-screening platform will be positioned as strategic research assets that can enable collaborations across the public sector, industry, and academia.