By taking blood and tissue samples, tumor cells can be transferred into cell culture models (organoids). Using these organoid models, the response to various therapies as well as changes in the genetic material and cell composition can be analyzed under laboratory conditions. This means that the tumor cells and the genetic material (genes) of the tumor of the esophagus/stomach are examined using laboratory methods in order to enable a more individually effective therapy in the future. The goal of this study is to define alternative therapeutic options when organoid models do not respond to standard therapy for gastric cancer. The current clinical standard is that locally advanced, operable tumors are first treated with drug therapy (chemotherapy, possibly with targeted therapy or antibody therapy) to reduce the size of the tumor, followed by surgical removal of the tumor.
Another aspect of the REDESIGN study is to survey the patients, to determine the understanding of the role of organoid models in future precision oncology.
