Abstract 3397: Modeling cervical cancer heterogeneity using patient-derived organoids for precision treatment development

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer encompasses diverse histologic and molecular subtypes, yet robust preclinical models that capture this heterogeneity remain limited. This gap continues to hinder the development of precision treatment strategies. Objectives: To establish and characterize a cervical cancer organoid library that reflects intertumoral heterogeneity and supports drug screening and functional genomic approaches. Methods: Organoids were derived from resected cervical cancer tissue from 15 patients and embedded in Cultrex® to support 3D growth. Early- and late-passage organoids, alongside matched patient tumor tissue, underwent morphological evaluation, immunohistochemical profiling, and whole-exome sequencing. Matched 2D cultures were established to compare genomic features and treatment responses between 2D and 3D systems. Drug sensitivity assays including cisplatin, carboplatin, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are ongoing. Essential genes and therapeutic vulnerabilities will be identified by CRISPR/Cas screens in selected models. Results: Organoids were successfully established from 40% of tumor samples, representing multiple histologic subtypes. These organoids preserved key morphological features of their corresponding tumors. Early drug response assays revealed heterogeneous sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy. Consistency in mutational and copy-number profiles between tumors and organoids at both early and late time points is being evaluated to determine genomic stability. Conclusions: This organoid library provides a patient-relevant platform for studying tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic response. Ongoing genomic profiling combined with functional assays across this organoid library may reveal targetable vulnerabilities and ultimately advance precision medicine for cervical cancer patients. Citation Format: Oda Floetre, Hege Fredriksen Berg, Dominika Aleksandra Hawryluk, Marta Espevold Hjelmeland, Stefania Bellone, Alessandro D. Santin, Camilla Krakstad, Mari Kyllesø Halle. Modeling cervical cancer heterogeneity using patient-derived organoids for precision treatment development [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 3397.

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Journal
Cancer Research
Published
2026-04-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-3397
Primary Topic
Endometrial and Cervical Cancer Treatments
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article
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article

Abstract 3397: Modeling cervical cancer heterogeneity using patient-derived organoids for precision treatment development

Camilla Krakstad, Mari K. Halle, Hege F. Berg, Marta Espevold Hjelmeland et al.
Cancer Research
Endometrial and Cervical Cancer Treatments
article

Abstract 3397: Modeling cervical cancer heterogeneity using patient-derived organoids for precision treatment development

Camilla Krakstad, Mari K. Halle, Hege F. Berg, Marta Espevold Hjelmeland, Dominika Aleksandra Hawryluk, Alessandro D. Santin, Oda Floetre, Stefania Bellone
article en

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cervical cancer encompasses diverse histologic and molecular subtypes, yet robust preclinical models that capture this heterogeneity remain limited. This gap continues to hinder the development of precision treatment strategies. Objectives: To establish and characterize a cervical cancer organoid library that reflects intertumoral heterogeneity and supports drug screening and functional genomic approaches. Methods: Organoids were derived from resected cervical cancer tissue from 15 patients and embedded in Cultrex® to support 3D growth. Early- and late-passage organoids, alongside matched patient tumor tissue, underwent morphological evaluation, immunohistochemical profiling, and whole-exome sequencing. Matched 2D cultures were established to compare genomic features and treatment responses between 2D and 3D systems. Drug sensitivity assays including cisplatin, carboplatin, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are ongoing. Essential genes and therapeutic vulnerabilities will be identified by CRISPR/Cas screens in selected models. Results: Organoids were successfully established from 40% of tumor samples, representing multiple histologic subtypes. These organoids preserved key morphological features of their corresponding tumors. Early drug response assays revealed heterogeneous sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy. Consistency in mutational and copy-number profiles between tumors and organoids at both early and late time points is being evaluated to determine genomic stability. Conclusions: This organoid library provides a patient-relevant platform for studying tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic response. Ongoing genomic profiling combined with functional assays across this organoid library may reveal targetable vulnerabilities and ultimately advance precision medicine for cervical cancer patients. Citation Format: Oda Floetre, Hege Fredriksen Berg, Dominika Aleksandra Hawryluk, Marta Espevold Hjelmeland, Stefania Bellone, Alessandro D. Santin, Camilla Krakstad, Mari Kyllesø Halle. Modeling cervical cancer heterogeneity using patient-derived organoids for precision treatment development [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 3397.

Cancer ResearchVol. 86(7_Supplement)
Yale University (US), University of New Haven (US), University of Bergen (NO)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 30%
Endometrial and Cervical Cancer Treatments
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