We have developed a platform of models of the tumour microenvironment (TME) of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (TME) with the aim of improving our understanding of TME regulation and testing new biological therapies. We began with a multi-omic ‘deconstruction’ of the human TME which we use as a template and validation for our work. Three areas of current interest that will be presented are as follows:
1. We have developed penta-culture (five cell) human cell HGSOC models to study malignant cell regulation of myeloid cell differentiation and test therapies that target tumour-associated macrophages.
2. We are investigating how malignant cells and fibroblasts modulate CAR -T cell activity in human 3D in vitro cell models of increasing complexity. These include microfluidic models where we deliver CAR -T cells through vasculature in a cancer-on-a-chip model.
3. Using a combination of human and mouse data, and mouse HGSOC models that replicate the human TME , we are studying the role of the extracellular matrix in resistance to chemotherapy.

Please note this seminar is on a Friday

• Speaker: Professor Frances Balkwill OBE, FMedSci, Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK
• Friday 03 May 2024, 13:00-14:00
• Venue: CRUK CI Lecture Theatre.
• Series: Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK CI) Seminars in Cancer; organiser: Kate Davenport.