Tumor slice culture system for ex vivo immunotherapy studies

Abstract

Personalized immunotherapy is emerging as a promising approach for cancer treatment, aiming to harness the patient's own immune system to target and eliminate tumor cells. One key aspect of developing effective personalized immunotherapies is the utilization of tumor slices derived from individual patient tumors. Tumor slice models retain the complexity and heterogeneity of the original tumor microenvironment, including interactions with immune cells, stromal elements, and vasculature. These ex vivo models serve as valuable tools for studying tumor-immune interactions and for testing the efficacy of immunotherapeutic agents tailored to the specific characteristics of each patient's tumor. In this chapter, we set up a protocol for immunotherapy strategies in mouse models highlighting their translational potential to guide treatment decisions and improve therapeutic outcomes in cancer patients.

Keywords: Ex vivo; Organotypic cultures; Personalized immunotherapy; Tumor microenvironment; Tumor slice.