The NUS Breakthrough in Cancer Modeling
Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have made headlines with their recent commentary published in Nature Reviews Cancer, advocating for patient-derived tumour explants (PDTEs) as the next-generation models for cancer drug testing. Published on January 20, 2026, and highlighted in NUS news on February 12, the work underscores a shift towards more physiologically relevant platforms that mirror the complexity of human tumours. Led by Assistant Professor Eliza Fong from NUS College of Design and Engineering's Department of Biomedical Engineering, the paper argues that traditional models fall short in capturing the full intricacies of cancer, paving the way for improved precision oncology in Singapore and beyond.
This development aligns with Singapore's robust higher education ecosystem, where institutions like NUS drive translational research. The commentary emphasizes coordinated, cross-disciplinary efforts to revive and standardize PDTE culture, positioning NUS at the forefront of biomedical innovation.
Understanding Tumour Explants: A Step-by-Step Definition
Tumour explants, specifically patient-derived tumour explants (PDTEs), are small slices of freshly resected patient tumours cultured ex vivo—outside the body—while preserving their native three-dimensional (3D) architecture. Unlike dissociated cells, PDTEs maintain intact tissue components including cancer cells, stromal cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), blood vessels, and immune infiltrates.
The process begins with surgical resection: a tumour sample is obtained, trimmed into 300-500 micrometre slices to ensure nutrient diffusion, and embedded in a supportive matrix like agarose or hydrogel. These are then incubated in media mimicking physiological conditions, remaining viable for up to 14-21 days. This allows real-time observation of tumour responses to therapies, bridging the gap between lab and clinic.
In Singapore's context, where cancer accounts for 28.2% of deaths from 2017-2021, such models hold immense promise for addressing regional disease patterns.
Shortcomings of Conventional Cancer Models
Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell lines, derived decades ago, lose tumour heterogeneity and stromal interactions upon adaptation to plastic surfaces. They represent less than 1% of the tumour's cellular diversity, leading to misleading drug responses.
Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) in mice preserve more complexity but are costly, time-consuming (months to establish), and altered by murine stroma. Organoids, 3D mini-organs grown from stem cells, excel in scalability but often exclude immune cells and full stroma, taking weeks to expand and risking genetic drift.
These limitations contribute to the staggering 95% attrition rate in cancer drug development, where preclinical successes fail in human trials due to poor translational fidelity.
Why PDTEs Outperform: Key Advantages
- Preservation of Native Architecture: PDTEs retain spatial organization, including hypoxic cores and invasive fronts, crucial for metastasis studies.
- Cellular Heterogeneity: Full spectrum of cell types, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), enabling immune checkpoint inhibitor testing.
- Rapid Setup: Viable within hours post-resection, versus weeks for organoids.
- High Predictivity: Studies show PDTE responses correlate better with patient outcomes, reducing false positives.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Lower than PDX, suitable for high-throughput screening.
The NUS Research Team and Their Expertise
Assistant Professor Eliza Fong, with joint appointments at NUS Biomedical Engineering and the N.1 Institute for Health, spearheads PDTE advancements. Her lab focuses on 'Tumour Explants 2.0', engineering hydrogels for extended viability in peritoneal metastases. Collaborators from NUS Cancer Science Institute (CSI) Singapore and National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) bring clinical insights.
Fong's prior works include hydrogel preservation techniques, published in Advanced Materials (2025), enhancing PDTE utility. NUS CSI, a hub for translational cancer research, hosts multidisciplinary teams tackling Asia-specific cancers like nasopharyngeal carcinoma prevalent in Singapore.
This publication exemplifies NUS's ranking among global top 20 universities for biomedical engineering, fostering careers in research jobs and higher education positions.
Innovations in PDTE Culture Techniques
NUS researchers propose standardized protocols: precision slicing with vibratomes, nutrient-optimized media with growth factors, and dynamic bioreactors for oxygenation. Hydrogels like hyaluronic acid-based matrices mimic ECM, extending viability beyond 12 days.
Integration with multi-omics—spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA-seq—unveils sub-tumour microenvironments. For instance, PDTEs reveal CAF heterogeneity missed in organoids.
In practice: A colorectal cancer PDTE treated with anti-PD-1 shows TIL activation mirroring patient response, validated in cohorts.
Revolutionizing Cancer Drug Testing
PDTEs enable ex vivo pharmacotyping: screening hundreds of compounds on patient-matched models within days. This supports co-clinical trials, where PDTE results guide therapy selection.
Real-world case: NCCS-NUS trials on liver cancer PDTEs identified responders to immunotherapy, aligning with 70% clinical correlation. With Singapore's S$50 million precision oncology grants (2024), scaling PDTE platforms could accelerate approvals.
NUS News on PDTEs | Nature Reviews Cancer Commentary
Singapore's Thriving Cancer Research Ecosystem
Singapore invests heavily: NRF's RIE2030 allocates S$37 billion to health research, with CSI Singapore receiving multimillion grants. Cancer, killing over 10,000 annually, drives initiatives like NMRC's S$25 million liver cancer program.
NUS collaborates with Duke-NUS, A*STAR, positioning Singapore as Asia's biotech hub. PDTE adoption could enhance clinical trials at NCIS, reducing global 95% failure rates locally.
For aspiring researchers, explore Singapore academic opportunities or higher ed career advice.
Overcoming Challenges in PDTE Adoption
Viability limits (hypoxia, necrosis), batch variability, and scalability persist. NUS addresses via AI-optimized slicing and perfusion systems.
Ethical sourcing from consented surgeries and standardization via consortia like the International PDTE Alliance are key.
Future Outlook: PDTEs in Precision Oncology
By 2030, PDTEs could integrate with CRISPR editing and AI predictions, enabling virtual trials. In Singapore, RIE2030 quantum investments may enhance imaging.
Stakeholders: Pharma giants eye PDTEs for de-risking pipelines; patients gain tailored therapies.
Career Implications in Singapore Higher Education
This positions NUS as a leader, creating demand for bioengineers, oncologists. PhD programs at NUS CSI offer fellowships up to S$25,000 annually.
Explore postdoc roles, lecturer jobs, or clinical research jobs to contribute.
Global and Regional Impacts
PDTEs could slash drug development timelines by 30%, benefiting Asia's 10 million annual cases. Singapore's model inspires ASEAN collaborations.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
NUS's tumour explants research heralds a new era in cancer modelling, promising better outcomes. Stay informed via Rate My Professor, pursue higher ed jobs, or seek career advice. Engage in comments below—what's your take on PDTEs?
