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RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Ex vivo tumor modeling

3D microfluidics technology that recapitulates endogenous tumor immune microenvironment. Patient-derived organotypic spheroids enable ex vivo interrogation of mechanism of action for emerging therapies.

Patient-derived organotypic spheroids that preserve the patient’s full tumor micro-environment in 3D microfluidic chips offer new possibilities to more accurately model human disease biology. In a landmark publication in Cancer Discovery, we developed a “tumor-on-a-chip” approach to assess cancer immunotherapy response in real time. The technology makes it possible for the first time to preserve the patient’s full tumor micro-environment from fresh tumor tissue and allows for dynamic testing of ex-vivo responses to therapeutic agents (IO, ADCS, oncolytic virus) outside of the patient.

Translational Research Laboratory for Blood-Based Biomarkers

Minimally invasive sampling of circulating tumor cell-free DNA enables longitudinal tracking of patient response to targeted therapies. Early detection of emerging resistance informs understanding of evolving tumor phenotypes.
The Translational Research Laboratory, which is embedded within the Belfer Center, researchs and clinically tests critical unmet needs in monitoring of oncology treatment from blood and other routinely clinically accessible tissue not addressed by routine pathology. Examples include tracking patient response to targeted therapies through minimally invasive sampling of circulating tumor cell-free DNA. Early detection of emerging resistance informs clinicians about changes in tumor phenotypes.

In vivo pharmacology

Development of syngeneic, humanized, and patient-derived xenograph models spanning etiological spectrum of thoracic, head and neck, and gynecologic cancers. Functional studies with mechanistic understanding of therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Connects collaborators with patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and humanized models spanning the etiological spectrum of thoracic, head and neck, and gynecologic cancers, amongst many, with a dedicated and experienced scientific team for preclinical studies. All PDX models are fully clinically annotated and characterized for model selection. Additionally, a range of syngeneic models are available for immune therapy-based testing. All in vivo studies are performed in an AAALAC-accredited facility.

Ex vivo tumor modeling

3D microfluidics technology that recapitulates endogenous tumor immune microenvironment. Patient-derived organotypic spheroids enable ex vivo interrogation of mechanism of action for emerging therapies.

Translational Research Laboratory for Blood-Based Biomarkers

Tracking patient response to targeted therapies through minimally invasive sampling of circulating tumor cell-free DNA. Early detection of emerging resistance informs clinicians about changes in tumor phenotypes.

in vivo pharmacology

Syngeneic, humanized, and patient-derived xenograft models spanning etiological spectrum of thoracic, head and neck, and gynecologic cancers. Functional studies which provide mechanistic understanding of therapeutic effects.

Partnerships

pharma
biotech
Incubator

Building an immunopeptidomics platform to map the diversity of immunogenic epitopes presented by tumor cells to unlock the potential for broader use of TCR transgenics in cancer immunotherapy.

Academia

Clinical trials incorporating correlative science for profiling of patient tumor and immune phenotypes in response to combinatorial therapies. Cutting-edge assays, including multiparametric flow, IHC, IF, and single-cell genomics.

academia
incubator

Evaluation and validation of immune agonists, antibody-drug conjugates, and next-generation targeted therapies in translationally relevant, immune-competent ex vivo systems. Clarifying a clinical path forward.

Comprehensive, mechanistic understanding for early-stage assets. Target validation and confirmation of mechanism of action in translational systems to inform drug development.

Clinical trials incorporating correlative science for profiling of patient tumor and immune phenotypes in response to combinatorial therapies. Cutting-edge assays, including multiparametric flow, IHC, IF, and single-cell genomics.

Building an immunopeptidomics platform to map the diversity of immunogenic epitopes presented by tumor cells to unlock the potential for broader use of TCR transgenics in cancer immunotherapy.

Belfer legacy

Robert and Renée Belfer

Robert and Renée Belfer’s transformative cumulative Dana-Farber investment of more than $35 million launched the Robert A. and Renée E. Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science. This generous contribution from the Belfer family enabled the Belfer Center to integrate its scientific teams, produce innovative cancer models, partner with industry leaders, and accelerate the development of revolutionary therapies to treat cancer. We are grateful for the Belfer family’s vision and incredible support.

About us