Revolutionizing Cancer Research at the University of Auckland with Lab-Grown Tumour Organoids

The University of Auckland is at the forefront of innovative cancer research, launching New Zealand's first lung cancer organoid bank. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Dr. Hossein Jahedi, promises to transform how scientists test cancer drugs by using tiny, three-dimensional mini-tumours grown directly from patient samples. These lab-grown tumour organoids mimic the original cancer's behaviour, enabling rapid drug screening that could lead to more effective, personalized treatments.

In a country where lung cancer claims more lives than any other malignancy, this project addresses a critical need. By creating organoids—miniature replicas of patient tumours—researchers can predict how specific therapies will work before administering them to individuals, potentially sparing patients unnecessary side effects and reducing healthcare costs. This approach aligns with the growing emphasis on precision medicine in higher education research institutions like Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland's te reo Māori name.

The excitement surrounding this development stems from its potential to bridge the gap between lab experiments and clinical application, offering hope for better outcomes in one of New Zealand's most deadly diseases.

Understanding Tumour Organoids: Mini-Tumours in a Dish

Tumour organoids, often referred to as patient-derived organoids (PDOs), are sophisticated three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures derived from a patient's own tumour tissue. Unlike traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell lines, which lose many characteristics of the original cancer, organoids self-organize into structures that closely replicate the tumour's architecture, genetic makeup, and response to treatments. They are grown in a supportive matrix resembling the extracellular environment, allowing cancer cells to form clusters that behave much like the disease in the human body.

At the University of Auckland, these organoids are smaller than a grain of sand but pack immense scientific value. From a single biopsy or surgical sample, dozens can be produced, cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen, and revived for testing months or years later. This technology has gained global traction, with studies showing up to 90% accuracy in predicting patient responses to chemotherapy in cancers like bowel cancer, paving the way for similar successes in lung cancer.

For aspiring researchers in New Zealand universities, mastering organoid technology represents a cutting-edge skill in cancer biology, opening doors to roles in research jobs and innovative higher education projects.

The Lung Cancer Burden in New Zealand

Lung cancer remains New Zealand's biggest cancer killer, responsible for over 1,600 deaths annually—about five Kiwis every day. Incidence rates are stark: age-standardized rates reach 27.3 per 100,000 for both sexes, with projections indicating a 50% rise in overall cancer diagnoses to 45,000 by 2044. Disparities are pronounced; Māori and Pacific peoples face mortality rates three times higher than other ethnic groups, often due to late diagnoses and limited representation in research.

Advanced lung cancer, the focus of the organoid bank, is particularly aggressive, with traditional treatments like chemotherapy succeeding in only a fraction of cases. The University of Auckland's project targets these hard-to-treat stages, where personalized insights could make all the difference. This research underscores the vital role of New Zealand's universities in tackling national health challenges through science.

Dr. Hossein Jahedi's Leadership in the Organoid Bank Initiative

Dr. Hossein Jahedi, a research fellow at the University of Auckland's Centre for Cancer Research, brings a strong background in molecular biology and cancer genomics to this project. An early-career scientist with prior accolades, including awards at symposia, Jahedi leads a multidisciplinary team aiming to culture 10 to 20 organoids from diverse patients over 18 months.

"The question the organoids will help answer is ‘does this medicine work for this patient?’" Jahedi explains. "It’s a personalised medicine approach that could help give patients the best chance." His vision extends to establishing a national resource for doctors and researchers, fostering collaboration across New Zealand's higher education and health sectors.

Step-by-Step Process: From Patient Sample to Functional Organoid

Creating tumour organoids is a meticulous, patient-centered process:

• Patient Consent and Sample Collection: Individuals with advanced lung cancer donate tumour tissue via surgery or biopsy, ensuring ethical protocols, especially with Māori and Pacific partners for cultural safety.
• Tissue Preparation: In the lab, the sample is gently dissociated into cell clusters, isolating cancer cells from surrounding stroma.
• Embedding and Culture: Cells are mixed into a jelly-like basement membrane matrix (e.g., Matrigel) and overlaid with nutrient-rich media containing growth factors.
• Growth and Maturation: Over days to weeks, cells self-assemble into 3D organoids, replicating tumour heterogeneity.
• Drug Testing and Storage: Organoids are exposed to therapies within two weeks; survivors are cryopreserved for future use.

This streamlined workflow accelerates research, making it ideal for high-throughput screening in university labs.

Transforming Drug Testing and Personalized Cancer Care

Organoids enable high-fidelity drug testing: multiple therapies can be screened simultaneously on a patient's mini-tumour, predicting efficacy with remarkable accuracy. At Auckland, this means identifying responsive treatments pre-clinically, minimizing trial-and-error in patients. Benefits include cost savings, fewer adverse effects, and faster development of novel drugs—crucial as lung cancer resistance evolves rapidly.

Cancer survivor David Downs highlights the human impact: "Testing things in a way that involves human cells but isn't involving humans feels like a really great breakthrough." For researchers, this technology complements animal models, providing human-relevant data earlier in the pipeline.

Tackling Ethnic Disparities in Lung Cancer Research

Māori and Pacific peoples' three-fold higher lung cancer mortality demands targeted research. The organoid bank prioritizes culturally safe protocols, collaborating with iwi and Pacific health organizations on tissue governance. By including under-represented samples, it generates data reflective of New Zealand's diverse population, potentially informing equitable screening and therapies.

This equity focus exemplifies how university-led initiatives drive inclusive science, benefiting communities and training the next generation of diverse researchers through higher ed career advice.

From Breast to Lung: Dr. Emma Nolan's Inspirational Work

The lung project draws inspiration from Dr. Emma Nolan's breast cancer organoid library, built since 2022 with over 30 models. Nolan's team at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre deciphers tumour microenvironments, positioning her library as a national tool. "We would hope within the next five years to initiate a small trial," she notes, signaling organoids' maturing role.

Funding, Collaborations, and Broader Cancer Innovations

Securing $50,000 from the Li Family Trust's $350,000 bold cancer projects fund, Jahedi's work joins six others, including AI for breast MRI and virus-fighting T-cells. Partnerships with clinical teams ensure sample access, while the Centre for Cancer Research provides infrastructure.

Explore related opportunities in clinical research jobs or research assistant positions at New Zealand universities.

Looking Ahead: Clinical Trials, National Biobank, and Global Impact

Over the next 18 months, the team targets 10-20 organoids, evolving into a nationwide biobank. Clinical trials, like Nolan's planned pilots, could validate predictions within five years, influencing guidelines. Globally, this positions New Zealand universities as leaders in organoid tech, potentially exporting models for international collaboration.

For professionals eyeing academia, postdoc opportunities in cancer research are booming.

Photo by Niranjan Lamichhane on Unsplash

Opportunities in Higher Education Cancer Research

The University of Auckland's advances highlight thriving prospects in New Zealand's research sector. Whether pursuing lecturer roles or faculty positions, platforms like AcademicJobs connect talent with university jobs, including faculty openings and executive roles.

In summary, this organoid bank exemplifies how university innovation drives real-world health solutions. Stay informed via Rate My Professor, seek career advice, or browse higher ed jobs and post a job to join the fight.