Application of patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroids to guide combination immunotherapy for advanced HCC: a case report - Report - MDSpire

Application of patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroids to guide combination immunotherapy for advanced HCC: a case report

  • By

  • Fu-Yi Wang

  • Li-Long Zhu

  • Cheng Ji

  • Jie Deng

  • Lu Han

  • Fei Song

  • Zhong Chen

  • June 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Utilization of Patient-Derived Organotypic Tumor Spheroids in HCC

Overview

This report discusses the use of a patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroid (PDOTS) model to predict treatment response in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A case study demonstrated that the PDOTS model successfully identified a sensitive combination therapy, leading to a significant clinical response in the patient.

Background

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant challenge in treatment due to its poor prognosis and the limitations of current predictive models for immunotherapy response. Traditional models often fail to accurately simulate the tumor immune microenvironment, necessitating the development of more effective tools for personalized therapy. The PDOTS model represents a promising advancement in this area, potentially guiding treatment decisions based on individual tumor characteristics.

Data Highlights

The PDOTS model indicated a 50% Organoid Killing Index for the combination of Lenvatinib and Tislelizumab, which was not observed with either agent alone.

Key Findings

  • The PDOTS model can preserve the tumor immune microenvironment, enhancing predictive accuracy for treatment response.
  • In the case study, the patient exhibited a partial response after 6 cycles of the identified combination therapy.
  • Serum biomarkers (AFP, PIVKA-II) normalized following treatment, indicating a significant clinical response.
  • The results suggest that PDOTS may be a valuable tool for guiding personalized immunotherapy in advanced HCC.
  • Further validation in larger cohorts is necessary to confirm the predictive value of the PDOTS model.

Clinical Implications

The PDOTS model may serve as a novel platform for predicting treatment responses in advanced HCC, potentially improving personalized therapy strategies. Clinicians should consider integrating such models into their treatment planning to enhance outcomes for patients with advanced disease.

Conclusion

This case study provides preliminary evidence supporting the utility of the PDOTS model in guiding immunotherapy decisions for advanced HCC. Further research is essential to validate these findings in broader patient populations.

Related Resources & Content

  1. ASCO Post, 2024 -- Improving Hepatocellular Carcinoma Outcomes Through Enhanced Immunotherapy
  2. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Novel models for predicting individualized outcomes in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma receiving immunotherapy
  3. Archives of Toxicology, 2021 -- Proteomic Analysis of Hepatic Organoids Derived from Murine Biliary Tissue and Their Role in Drug Metabolism, Activation, and Detoxification
  4. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2025 -- Suppression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Proliferation by Liver Progenitor Cell-Derived Metabolites S-adenosylmethionine and Nicotinic Acid
  5. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2023 -- Systemic Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: ASCO Guideline Update
  6. PubMed, 2022 -- Updated efficacy and safety data from IMbrave150: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab vs. sorafenib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
  7. Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, 2023 -- Biomarkers for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma
  8. Systemic Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: ASCO Guideline Update | Journal of Clinical Oncology
  9. Updated efficacy and safety data from IMbrave150: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab vs. sorafenib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma - PubMed
  10. Biomarkers for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma | Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology

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