Researchers at Oxford University and the University of Birmingham have made a major breakthrough in cancer treatment by creating the first human bone marrow “organoids” that accurately replicate the key features of human bone marrow. The technology, which is the subject of a patent application filed by the University of Birmingham Enterprise, enables the simultaneous screening of multiple anti-cancer drugs and the testing of personalized treatments for individual cancer patients.
The organoids, which are described in a study recently published in the journal Cancer Discovery, closely mimic the cellular, molecular, and architectural features of myelopoietic (blood cell-producing) bone marrow.
The research also showed that the organoids provide a micro-environment that can accept and support the survival of cells from patients with blood malignancies, including multiple myeloma cells, which are notoriously difficult to maintain outside the human body.
This life-like architecture enabled the team to study how the cells in the bone marrow interact to support normal blood cell production, and how this is disturbed in bone marrow fibrosis (myelofibrosis), where scar tissue builds up in the bone marrow, causing bone marrow failure. Bone marrow fibrosis can develop in patients with certain types of blood cancers and remains incurable.
Senior study author Professor Bethan Psaila, a hematology medical doctor as well as a Research Group Leader at the Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, said “To properly understand how and why blood cancers develop, we need to use experimental systems that closely resemble how real human bone marrow works, which we haven’t really had before. It’s really exciting to now have this terrific system, as finally, we are able to study cancer directly using cells from our patients, rather than relying on animal models or other simpler systems that do not properly show us how the cancer is developing in the bone marrow in actual patients.”
Dr. Khan also added, “This is a huge step forward, enabling insights into the growth patterns of cancer cells and potentially a more personalized approach to treatment. We now have a platform that we can use to test drugs on a ‘personalized medicine’ basis.
“Having developed and validated the model is the first crucial step, and in our ongoing collaborative work we will be working with others to better understand how the bone marrow works in healthy people, and what goes wrong when they have blood diseases.”
Dr. Psaila added, “We hope that this new technique will help accelerate the discovery and testing of new blood cancer treatments, getting improved drugs for our patients to clinical trials faster.”
News
Scientists Just Found DNA’s Building Blocks in Asteroid Bennu – Could This Explain Life’s Origins?
Japanese scientists detected all five nucleobases — building blocks of DNA and RNA — in samples returned from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission brought back 121.6 grams of asteroid Bennu, unveiling nitrogen-rich organic matter, including DNA’s essential [...]
AI-Designed Proteins – Unlike Any Found in Nature – Revolutionize Snakebite Treatment
Scientists have pioneered a groundbreaking method to combat snake venom using newly designed proteins, offering hope for more effective, accessible, and affordable antivenom solutions. By utilizing advanced computational techniques and deep learning, this innovative [...]
New nanosystem offers hope for improved diagnosis and treatment of tongue cancer
A pioneering study has unveiled the Au-HN-1 nanosystem, a cutting-edge approach that promises to transform the diagnosis and treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). By harnessing gold nanoparticles coupled with the HN-1 peptide, [...]
Global Trust in Science Is Stronger Than Expected – What’s Next?
A landmark global survey conducted across 68 countries has found that public trust in scientists remains robust, with significant support for their active involvement in societal and political matters. The study highlights the public’s [...]
Microplastics in the bloodstream may pose hidden risks to brain health
In a recent study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers investigated the impact of microplastics on blood flow and neurobehavioral functions in mice. Using advanced imaging techniques, they observed that microplastics obstruct cerebral blood [...]
AI Surveillance: New Study Exposes Hidden Risks to Your Privacy
A new mathematical model enhances the evaluation of AI identification risks, offering a scalable solution to balance technological benefits with privacy protection. AI tools are increasingly used to track and monitor people both online [...]
Permafrost Thaw: Unleashing Ancient Pathogens and Greenhouse Gases
Permafrost is a fascinating yet alarming natural phenomenon. It refers to ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. Mostly found in polar regions like Siberia, Alaska, and Canada, permafrost plays a [...]
Frequent social media use tied to higher levels of irritability
A survey led by researchers from the Center for Quantitative Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School has analyzed the association between self-reported social media use and irritability among US adults. Frequent [...]
Australian oysters’ blood could hold key to fighting drug-resistant superbugs
Protein found in Sydney rock oysters’ haemolymph can kill bacteria and boost some antibiotics’ effectiveness, scientists discover An antimicrobial protein found in the blood of an Australian oyster could help in the fight against [...]
First U.S. H5N1 Death Sparks Urgency: Scientists Warn Bird Flu Is Mutating Faster Than Expected
A human strain of H5N1 bird flu isolated in Texas shows mutations enabling better replication in human cells and causing more severe disease in mice compared to a bovine strain. While the virus isn’t [...]
AI Breakthrough in Nanotechnology Shatters Limits of Precision
At TU Graz, a pioneering research group is leveraging artificial intelligence to drastically enhance the way nanostructures are constructed. They aim to develop a self-learning AI system that can autonomously position molecules with unprecedented precision, potentially [...]
How Missing Sleep Lets Bad Memories Haunt Your Mind
Research reveals that a lack of sleep can hinder the brain’s ability to suppress unwanted memories and intrusive thoughts, emphasizing the importance of restful sleep for mental health. Sleep deprivation has been found to [...]
WHO issues new warning over ‘mystery virus’ and calls for return of COVID restrictions
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the reinstatement of restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic as cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) continue to surge. While hospitals in China are overwhelmed with positive [...]
A Breath Away From a Cure: How Xenon Gas Could Transform Alzheimer’s Treatment
A breakthrough study highlights Xenon gas as a potential game-changer in treating Alzheimer’s disease, demonstrating its ability to mitigate brain damage and improve cognitive functions in mouse models. A forthcoming clinical trial aims to test its [...]
False Memories Under Fire: Surprising Science Behind What We Really Recall
New research challenges the ease of implanting false memories, highlighting flaws in the influential “Lost in the Mall” study. By reexamining the data from a previous study, researchers found that many supposed false memories [...]
Born Different? Cambridge Scientists Uncover Innate Sex Differences in Brains
Cambridge researchers found that sex differences in brain structure exist from birth, with males having more white matter and females more grey matter, highlighting early neurodiversity. Research from the Autism Research Centre at the University [...]
