Genoskin launches new OncoSkin® skin cancer model at Meet2Win

Genoskin has developed a new skin cancer model for the in vitro study of melanoma. Patients who suffer from this highly dangerous type of skin cancer currently have limited therapeutic options when the cancer reaches metastasis. The OncoSkin® skin cancer model now enables in vitro studies on live melanoma spheroids implanted in donated human skin tissue in order to develop new drug therapies and study other therapeutic options.

The OncoSkin® model was first presented at Meet2Win in Bordeaux last week. Meet2Win is the first French national business convention dedicated to collaborative research and technology transfer in oncology. The meeting unites a large number of innovators and academic opinion leaders in oncology as well as international pharmaceutical companies.

The need for better skin cancer models

Science currently uses in vitro models, such as multicellular tumor spheroids, to develop anti-tumor drugs. These skin cancer models mimic the 3D organization and heterogeneity of tumors but do not take into account the interaction between the tumor and its micro-environment, even though this interaction plays a key role in tumor growth and metastasis development. To better understand molecular and cellular events and develop efficient therapies, there is a clear need for experimental skin models that closely mimic the tissue environment of melanoma lesions.

The OncoSkin® skin cancer model for melanoma

The OncoSkin® skin cancer model uses donated human skin tissue that is kept alive in a specifically designed matrix and culture medium. Genoskin then implants a melanoma spheroid directly into the live human skin biopsy, which allows melanoma cells to interact with the skin’s microenvironment, where they develop and grow.

Histology of OncoSkin® skin cancer model for melanoma

This innovative and patented approach allows the dynamic study of melanoma cell invasion in situ, since the ex vivo human skin biopsy maintains cellular viability and tissue integrity for up to 10 days. The OncoSkin® melanoma model offers an innovative and standardized approach to test and further develop reference drugs, such as Vemurafenib, as well as other drug candidates.

Melanoma skin cancer spheroid in transparent human OncoSkin® model

Genoskin also uses a highly scientific imaging platform that is dedicated to the in situ analysis and 3D development of melanoma tumors in human skin models. Should you like to learn more about our new skin cancer model and other ongoing projects, please do not hesitate to contact us or subscribe to our monthly newsletter.