Daijiworld Media Network – Bologna
Bologna, Apr 21: A groundbreaking research project led by the Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology at the University of Bologna is aiming to develop a highly advanced three-dimensional “avatar” model of tumours to improve treatment outcomes for Osteosarcoma, a rare but aggressive cancer affecting young patients.
Researchers say current treatments for osteosarcoma remain limited in effectiveness and have seen little progress over the past several decades. A key challenge has been the lack of experimental models that accurately replicate how tumour cells interact with their surrounding environment inside the human body.
The new project seeks to bridge this gap by creating a realistic, living model of the tumour. Scientists are cultivating osteosarcoma cells into three-dimensional structures that mimic the tumour’s architecture and biological processes. These are then implanted onto the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of a chicken embryo, which serves as a naturally vascularised system acting as a living incubator.
This innovative setup allows researchers to closely observe tumour growth, blood vessel formation, tissue invasion, and responses to drugs under conditions that closely resemble those in humans. Notably, the use of the CAM is not classified as animal experimentation and offers a cost-effective platform with strong potential for clinical application.
To study the tumour in unprecedented detail, the team is employing advanced imaging using Synchrotron radiation, enabling analysis at the atomic level. This technology provides insights far beyond the capabilities of conventional imaging methods.
The research is being carried out by postdoctoral scientist Francesca Rossi, supported by a fellowship from the Italian Association for Cancer Research. The project is supervised by Professor Emil Malucelli and involves collaboration with national and international research institutions.
Dr Rossi said the model would allow scientists to better understand tumour development and evaluate drug responses in a more realistic biological environment, marking a significant step toward identifying new treatment strategies.
The two-year project will progress through multiple phases, including development of the model, biological and structural analysis, and pharmacological testing of potential therapies.
Researchers hope the outcome will be a predictive experimental system capable of identifying the most effective treatments, paving the way for precision medicine approaches tailored to young osteosarcoma patients.