Thermo Fisher Scientific and KYAN Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing functional precision oncology approaches for solid tumours.

The collaboration will evaluate donor-specific drug responses using patient-derived tumoroids from breast, pancreatic, ovarian and colorectal cancers. By combining short-term tumoroid culture with compound screening and genomic analysis, the companies aim to generate evidence that could support more patient-relevant approaches to oncology research and therapeutic decision-making.

Under the collaboration, patient-derived tumoroids will be cultured using Gibco™ OncoPro™ Tumoroid Culture Medium, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s solution designed to support the establishment and expansion of cancer-derived tumoroid models.

Drug-response profiles will subsequently be assessed using KYAN Technologies’ Optim.AI™ platform, which applies phenotypic drug-response data and analytical approaches to evaluate therapeutic combinations. Where available, retrospective clinical response data will also be evaluated to explore relationships between laboratory-derived functional responses and patient outcomes.

Integrating Functional and Genomic Insights

In addition to functional drug-response testing, Thermo Fisher Scientific and KYAN Technologies will explore the molecular characterisation of tumoroids and associated biological samples using Thermo Fisher Scientific’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.

The planned work will include the use of Genexus™ Integrated Sequencer and Oncomine™ assays, enabling researchers to examine genomic characteristics alongside functional drug-response information.

Bringing these capabilities together could provide a more comprehensive view of individual tumour biology by integrating how tumour models respond to therapeutic compounds with their underlying molecular characteristics.

Advancing Patient-Relevant Oncology Models

Patient-derived tumoroids are increasingly being explored as models capable of preserving important biological characteristics of an individual patient’s tumour. When combined with rapid functional screening and molecular profiling, these models have the potential to provide additional insights into tumour-specific treatment responses.

Through the MoU, Thermo Fisher Scientific and KYAN Technologies will evaluate a workflow combining standardised patient-derived tumoroid culture, functional drug-response testing and genomic analysis.

The collaboration is intended to generate evidence supporting the development and application of more patient-relevant New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in oncology research.

The initiative also reflects growing industry interest in integrating advanced in vitro models with genomic and computational technologies to complement conventional approaches to cancer research and accelerate the development of precision oncology strategies.

Through the collaboration, Thermo Fisher Scientific and KYAN Technologies aim to strengthen the evidence base for integrated functional and molecular approaches and unlock new insights that could help shape the future of precision oncology.