Russian and Iranian Scientists Set to Probe Liver Cancer Using 3D Model
The approach could enable more personalized therapies in the future
Researchers at Sechenov University, working with colleagues from Royan Institute, are developing a 3D model of the liver tumor microenvironment to study one of the most aggressive forms of liver cancer, the university’s press service said.
According to the university, liver cancer is often marked by recurrence, while standard therapies show limited effectiveness. One reason is the presence of stem-like cells capable of self-renewal, differentiation into multiple cell types, and increased resistance to treatment. To study the metabolic states of these cells, the researchers will create 3D organoids that replicate key features of tumor tissue and can be augmented with microenvironment components for more comprehensive modeling.
AI in the Loop
The team also plans to use artificial intelligence and computer vision to automatically identify treatment-resistant cells and analyze how they are distributed within tumor tissue.
Earlier, researchers at Sechenov University developed a “liver-on-a-chip” laboratory model capable of replicating human tissue responses for more accurate preclinical evaluation of drug efficacy and safety.
