New Precision-BTC Network registry seeks to fill the gap in representative pre-clinical models

A pressing challenge in the BTC research is the lack of representative pre-clinical models which capture the disease’s heterogeneity and drug response diversity. Dr Anna Saborowski (WG3 Leader) and Lisa Wende (WG3 & 6) helm a project aimed at confronting this challenge. With the Multi-institutional BTC PDX Database, they aim to facilitate collaborative, translational precision medicine studies across institutions.

At present, this database is made up of 60 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and 40 3D organoid cultures, with an annual expansion of approximately 30 new models per year. Avaibable data include clinical & pathological data, PDX metadata, molecular data, and — upon request — PDO data. Drug response data in the form of standardized drug testing protocols is currently under generation.

Precision-BTC Network members are invited to request access to the virtual database, which may be used to identify available models and/or datasets. The database can also be used to reach out to specific partner laboratories hosting relevant models or datasets.

Contribution to this dataset is also welcome and can be made via two paths. First, institutions without PDX facilities are encouraged to contribute patient-derived tissue samples for model establishment by partner labs. Second, centers that do have PDX or PDO capabilities are invited to register their existing BTC models and associated data.

For further information or access, contact Dr Saborowski or Lisa Wende. To explore other the Precision-BTC Network registries, visit our Registries page.