RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Sensitivity of Organoids to Predict Treatment Outcome in Breast Cancer Metastases

This study is looking at breast cancer that has spread, either to the brain or other parts of the body. Doctors will take a small part of the tumour that has been removed during surgery or a biopsy. From this tiny piece, they will grow mini versions of the tumour in the lab, called 'organoids'. These organoids will then be tested with different cancer treatments, like radiotherapy or chemotherapy, that the patient might have had or will receive. The main goal is to see if how these mini tumours react in the lab can help predict how well a patient's own cancer will respond to treatment. This could help doctors choose the best treatments for individual patients in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

27 May 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Breast Neoplasms

What is this study about?

This study, called SOTO-BC, is trying to find better ways to predict how well breast cancer patients, whose cancer has spread, will respond to treatment. At the moment, doctors often have to try different treatments to see what works best for each person.

The researchers are taking a new approach. When a patient has surgery to remove a part of their breast cancer that has spread (either to the brain or other areas), or has a biopsy taken, a small piece of this tissue will be used. From this tiny piece, scientists will grow miniature versions of the tumour in the lab. These are called 'organoids' and they behave much like the real tumour inside the patient's body.

Once they have these organoids, the researchers will expose them to various cancer treatments, such as different types of radiotherapy or drugs used in chemotherapy or immunotherapy. They want to see how these mini tumours respond. The idea is to find out if the way the organoids react in the lab matches how the patient's cancer responds to the same treatments. Ultimately, this research could lead to more personalised treatment plans, where doctors can better predict which treatments will be most effective for a patient before they even start.

Key takeaways

This study uses tiny 'mini-tumours' (organoids) grown from your cancer tissue.
Researchers will test these organoids with different cancer treatments.
The aim is to predict which treatments might work best for individual patients.
You won't receive extra tests or treatments as part of the study.
Your regular medical care will continue as usual.
The findings could help future breast cancer patients.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you must be a breast cancer patient whose cancer has spread, either to the brain or other parts of the body. You also need to be an adult, aged 18 years or older.

Specifically, if your breast cancer has spread to your brain and you are having surgery to remove part of it, you might be suitable. Alternatively, if your breast cancer has spread to other parts of your body and you are having surgery or a biopsy, you might also be able to join.

Patients who are not able to fully understand and agree to take part, for example due to certain health conditions, would not be able to join this study.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have breast cancer that has spread to your brain or other body parts?
Are you having surgery to remove parts of the cancer, or a biopsy?
Are you able to understand and give consent to take part in research?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

This is an observation study, which means your regular medical care and follow-up appointments will continue as normal. You won't receive any new treatments as part of this study.

The main part of your participation involves giving permission for a small portion of your tumour tissue to be used. This tissue will be taken during a surgery or biopsy that you are already having for your breast cancer that has spread. This will not involve any extra procedures for you.

Researchers will then use this tissue to grow 'organoids' in the lab. They will test these organoids with treatments that you have had, or might have in the future. The study team will then compare the results from the organoids with how your cancer responds to treatment over time. The study aims to involve about 20 patients initially.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical benefits to you from taking part in this study, as the treatments are tested on the organoids in the lab, not on you. However, the information gained could help doctors in the future to better understand and choose treatments for breast cancer patients. There are no additional risks to you for participating, as your regular medical care continues as normal and no extra procedures are performed. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Guy's and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'organoid'?

An organoid is like a tiny, simplified version of a tumour grown in a lab dish. It helps scientists study how a tumour might behave and react to treatments.

Will I receive any new treatments in this study?

No, you will not receive any new or experimental treatments as part of this study. You will continue to receive your usual medical care.

How will this study affect my usual doctor appointments?

This study will not change your usual doctor appointments or follow-up schedule. Everything will continue as normal for your medical care.

Will my personal information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal and medical information will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes, respecting your privacy.

What happens if I change my mind about participating?

You are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Anthony Kong

Anthony.kong@kcl.ac.uk 0207 848 8302 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.