The project consortium aims at the establishment of a platform system for the analysis of phenotypic and genotypic parameters of cancer cells or explanted cancer patient tissues. The system is designed for the generation of cell- and tumour-specific information that is relevant for a clinical classification and stratification of tumours of individual patients with respect to their in vivo chemosensitivity. The platform will contribute to a personalised cancer medicine, in particular the optimisation of chemotherapy.
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The platform is based on microphysiometric sensor technology and imaging analyses. In combination with molecular approaches, it will be an innovative tool for cytophysiology and cytopathology.
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A multiwell plate is at the heart of the platform. It combines electrochemical impedance sensors and optochemical sensors. Cell cultures or patient tissues are monitored in real time. Parts of the cultures or supernatants are used for sampling for molecular analyses of the cellular genome and proteome or the secretome, respectively.
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The project provides a basis for clinical studies that are anticipated in near future. The platform could become an integral part of personalised medicine approaches, contributing to both an increasing effect of cancer therapeutics and the avoidance of unnecessary or contraproductive treatment regimes. This would improve individual health care quality and reduce the frequency and intensity of side effects.

	Sub-Projects in Research & Development:
	-..	Microreaktors/liquid-handling-systems for short term culturing of human tumour tissue with simultaneous microphysiometric monitoring.
	-..	Construction of appropriate test plates.
	- .	Assay-conform tissue preparation and cell typing.
	-..	Optical system components: Excitation and read-out of optochemical sensors by the microscope; integration of phase contrast illumination.
	-..	Integration of secretome analytics.
	-..	Data analysis and data interpretation: comparison of cytophysiologic and molecular response patterns; definition of the most relevant parameters; classification of responder and non-responder groups.
	-..	Analysis of the effect of condition changes of the microenvironment (pH, oxygenation status, nutritional status) to the response profiles.
	-..	Preparation of subsequent clinical studies.