Organ on a Chip for Precision Nanomedicine

Cancer-Immune Microfluidic Platform for Advanced Disease Modeling and Targeted Therapy

Primary investigator
Mr Max Higham
PhD Student

Project abstract

Understanding the intricate interactions between cancer cells and the immune system is crucial for developing effective therapies. Traditional animal models, mandated by the FDA and other regulatory bodies until the FDA Modernization Act of 2023, have limitations in accurately replicating human disease dynamics. Our project aims to develop a versatile cancer-immune on-a-chip platform that mimics the tumour microenvironment, enabling detailed study of immune-cancer crosstalk. By integrating both cancer and immune cells on a single microfluidic chip, we can investigate how cell-based therapies and drug-based treatments interact to combat cancer, as well as explore the efficacy of combination therapies. Additionally, the platform will allow us to monitor immune cell phenotype changes, such as the transition to exhausted T cell states, providing deeper insights into immune responses within the tumour setting. This innovative model not only reduces reliance on animal testing but also accelerates the screening and optimization of new therapeutic strategies. This has potential to enhance the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatments, leading to improved patient outcomes and advancing the field of personalized medicine.