A non-randomised open-label exploratory 'window of opportunity' study of TG02 treatment in patients with locally advanced primary and recurrent mutant colorectal cancer.

Background: TG02 is a peptide-based cancer vaccine eliciting immune responses to oncogenic codon 12/13 mutations. This phase 1 clinical trial (NCT02933944) assessed the safety and immunological efficacy of TG02 adjuvanted by GM-CSF in patients with -mutant colorectal cancer.

Methods: In the interval between completing CRT and pelvic exenteration, patients with resectable mutation-positive, locally advanced primary or current colorectal cancer, received 5-6 doses of TG02/GM-CSF.

Use of patient-derived explants as a preclinical model for precision medicine in colorectal cancer: A scoping review.

Purpose: Whilst the treatment paradigm for colorectal cancer has evolved significantly over time, there is still a lack of reliable biomarkers of treatment response. Treatment decisions are based on high-risk features such as advanced TNM stage and histology. The role of the tumour microenvironment, which can influence tumour progression and treatment response, has generated considerable interest.

Technological advances define shifting pathway signaling from normal to primary and metastatic colorectal cancer.

Adoption of organoid/tumoroid propagation of normal and malignant intestinal epithelia has provided unparalleled opportunities to compare cell growth factor and signaling dependencies. These 3D structures recapitulate tumours in terms of gene expression regarding the tumor cells but also allow deeper insights into the contribution of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Elements of the TME can be manipulated or added back in the form of infiltrating cytotoxic lymphocytes and/or cancer associated fibroblasts.