The Translational Readout #1 - Functional Precision Oncology: Beyond Molecular Profiling

4 August 2026

Molecular profiling identifies patients that may benefit from specific therapies. Functional profiling provides direct evidence of how patient-derived tumor tissue responds to therapies ex vivo. Together, they offer a more comprehensive understanding of treatment response.

From biomarkers to biology. Precision oncology has transformed cancer care by identifying molecular alterations within the tumor that may predict responses to specific therapies. However, the presence of a molecular target does not always translate into a meaningful treatment response. In many cases, treatment sensitivity depends on the broader biological context, and is driven by tumor heterogeneity, resistance mechanisms and interactions within the tumor microenvironment.

Functional profiling complements molecular analyses by directly measuring the response of patient-derived tumor tissue to therapy ex vivo. By exposing tumor samples to standard-of-care therapies, investigational compounds, or rational combinations, it reveals treatment sensitivity and resistance patterns in a patient-specific and biologically relevant setting. At VitroScan, we apply this approach using patient-derived micro-tumors that preserve cellular heterogeneity and key microenvironmental interactions of the original tumor, generating biologically relevant response data to support translational research, biomarker discovery and therapeutic development.

Translational implications

For clinicians and researchers:

  • Investigate heterogeneity in treatment response
  • Integrate functional readouts with molecular and pathological data
  • Support treatment decisions

For biotech and pharma:

  • Identify responder populations
  • Evaluate investigational compounds and combinations
  • Inform translational and clinical development strategies

Looking ahead. In the next Translational Readout, we explore why preserving tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment is critical for understanding treatment response to emerging therapies.

Interested in exploring how patient-derived ex vivo micro-tumor testing could support your translational research program? Get in touch with our scientific team via the contact page.

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