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Global analysis of molecular changes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissue maintained and treated on microfluidic devices

People Involved

Dr Vicky Green

Project Description

We have developed a microfluidic platform in which small pieces of human tissue from tumours are maintained in an in vivo-like state. These laboratory-maintained samples appear to respond to treatment in the same way as patients do clinically, but this needs to be verified in appropriately-powered trials. The aim of the current project is to provide a comprehensive molecular profile of HNSCC biopsies before and after maintenance on a microfluidic device.

Analysis of the gene expression will be undertaken using Nanostring allowing 800 different genes to be measured in a single experiment. Having established the background profile, a cohort of HNSCC samples will be subjected to clinically-relevant doses of radiation, and the changes in molecular repertoire will be compared with baseline. The project will support the wider uptake of the microfluidic technology, accelerating progression towards clinical use by providing robust, molecular data for clinical trial applications and commercial research projects.

Status Project Complete
Value £44,480.00
Project Dates Feb 1, 2020 - Sep 30, 2021
Partner Organisations Medicines Discovery Catapult

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