“Thanks to VeloSano, we’re able to work together to do this research and contribute to our community and society as well,” says Hyun Jung Kim, PhD.
Colorectal (colon) cancer is very common, but it is a type that does not often respond well to conventional immunotherapy. This has led Hyun Jung Kim, PhD, to investigate the impact of using a bioengineered Colorectal Cancer-on-a-Chip (CRC Chip) that mimics the specific condition of a cancer patient. His initial findings suggest that gut bacteria can enhance the immune system’s ability to eliminate tumor cells.
“We have explored that some intestinal bacterial cells can modulate unresponsive colorectal cancer cells to be reactive,” says Dr. Kim. “So, we want to develop this approach to enhance immunotherapy outcomes.”
The rubber-like silicone CRC Chip is the size of your thumb and is a non-invasive, robust and safe approach targeting colorectal tumors that are not responsive to immunotherapy. Dr. Kim’s study aims to understand how different gut microbes influence checkpoint molecules on colorectal tumors. By exposing the CRC Chip to test various bacterial species, he hopes to uncover how these tumor-microbiome interactions can make tumors more responsive to treatments with patient’s immune cells.
“This strategy has the potential to tailor immunotherapy to individual patients based on their unique genetic, cellular and molecular characteristics, marking a step toward more effective and personalized colorectal cancer treatments,” says Dr. Kim.
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in people in the United States. Although fewer people are dying from this disease thanks to early intervention and new treatments, the number of people under 55 with colon cancer is increasing each year.
100% For The Cure
