Abstract 5876: Sorafenib and Lenvatinib induce vascular responses in patient derived HCC on-Chip models

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Its incidence is increasing, and is closely related to advanced liver disease. Interactions in the HCC microenvironment between tumor cells and the associated stroma actively regulate tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy response. In the present study, we used the OrganoPlate graft to establish a co-culture system consisting of dissociated HCC tumors (HCC 1-8) and cell lines, HCC derived fibroblasts and vasculature. Cultures were prepared and validated by assessing their response to Sorafenib and Lenvatinib (72 hours). Cultures had their viability (alamar blue assay), and chemokine/cytokine levels in the supernatant (Luminex) determined. In addition, the organization of the vasculature in the tumor compartment was studied through immunostainings, confocal imaging, and subsequent morphological analyses. HCC models were characterized by a range of specific markers, tumor (albumin), endothelial (CD31 and VE-Cadherin) and stromal (aSMA) cells. CD31 immunostained cultures were imaged, and morphology changes quantified. Sorafenib and Lenvatinib induced changes in the tumor vasculature area and organization. Hereby, we present vascularized patient-derived HCC models that include relevant cellular players of the HCC microenvironment. These co-cultures are highly suitable for studying specific cell types as well as patient-specific responses. We envision that this patient derived model will evolve to become a platform for understanding the interplay between angiogenesis, stroma and immune infiltrate in HCC. Citation Format: Orsola Mocellin, Abbie Robinson, Aleksandra Olczyk, Stephane Treillard, Thomas Olivier, Chee Ng, Jeroen Heijmans, Désiréé Goubert, Arthur Stok, Gilles van Tienderen, Monique Verstegen, Sebastian Trietsch, Henriëtte Lanz, Paul Vulto, Jos Joore, Karla S. Queiroz. Sorafenib and Lenvatinib induce vascular responses in patient derived HCC on-Chip models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5876.

Understanding organotropism in cancer metastasis using microphysiological systems

“…149,150 Various drug candidates, including monoclonal antibodies, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor small molecules (RTKIs), and fusion proteins, have since been developed and applied in in vitro model. 128,151,152 While substantial progress has been made in identifying key players in tumor angiogenesis, cancer's complexity prompts ongoing research to uncover additional factors and interactions. Controversially, there are concerns that cancer treatments targeting neovascularization for vascular normalization might increase tumor metastasis by attenuating endothelial barrier function.…”