DIAGNOSTIC METHODS

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to methods for diagnosing or prognosing tumour properties in a subject having a tumour, such as a breast tumour. The invention further relates to the use of the methods to determine suitability of treatment for a subject, or to determine efficacy of treatment in a subject, as well as to cancer treatments for use in treating subjects having a tumour.

Background to the invention

[0002] Cancer is a major societal challenge that affects an increasing number of people. Breast cancer, for example, affects approximately one out of eight women. Besides the difficulties associated with prolonged treatment periods and related side effects, there is a substantial risk that a cancer such as breast cancer will spread and cause metastatic disease. Despite a slightly improved survival for cancer sufferers in general there are major drawbacks with the existing therapies as they do not target the cancer stem cell/epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) niche and there is substantial under-treatment due to lack of efficient therapies. These therapy resistant subpopulations of cancer cells are probably responsible for malignant properties and need to be controlled in order to prevent disease recurrences (Conley, SJ. et al. Antiangiogenic agents increase breast cancer stem cells via the generation of tumour hypoxia. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 109, 2784-2789, 2012). The other problem with the existing treatment schedules for cancers such as breast cancer is over-treatment due to lack of treatment predictive information guiding clinicians in treatment decision and choices.

[0003] WO 2013/050962 A1 relates to an extracellular matrix composition and a tumor microenvironment platform. WO 2015/017784 A1 relates to a 3D decellularized bone scaffold seeded with cancer cells. US 2013/344490 A1 relates to tissue constructs comprising a decellularized biomatrix and a neoplastic cell cultured within the biomatrix. WO 2013/003234 A1 relates to a tumour matrix comprising extracellular matrix components from a basement membrane, stroma and tumour. Lü et al, "Development of an Acellular Tumor Extracellular Matrix as a Three-Dimensional Scaffold for Tumor Engineering", PLOS ONE, vol.9, no.7, 29 July 2014, page e103672 describes the development of an acellular tumour extracellular matrix as a three-dimensional scaffold for tumour engineering. Cazzaniga et al, "Human Prostate Tissue-Derived Extracellular Matrix as a Model of Prostate Microenvironment", European Urology Focus, vol. 2, no. 4, 1 October 2016, pages 400-408 relates to human prostate tissue-derived extracellular matrix as a model of prostate microenvironment. Naba et al, "Extracellular matrix signatures of human primary metastatic colon cancers and their metastases to liver", BMC Cancer, Biomed Central, London GB, vol. 14, no. 1, 18 July 2014, page 518 relates to extracellular matrix signatures of human primary metastatic colon tumours and their metastases to liver.

Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect, the invention provides a method for determining one or more tumour properties in a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

• seeding a cell-free scaffold obtained from the tumour (the source tumour) with cancer cells;
• culturing the cancer cells in the scaffold;
• assaying the cultured cancer cells for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells; and
• determining one or more tumour properties based on the results of the assay;

wherein the cancer cells are not cancer cells taken from the source tumour in the subject.

[0005] In one embodiment, the one or more genes may be one or more markers of tumour progression. In one embodiment, the one or more genes may be selected from Table G.

[0006] In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for determining a suitable treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

• determining one or more tumour properties in the subject by a method according to the first aspect; and
• determining a suitable treatment based on the tumour properties of the tumour.

[0007] In a third aspect, the invention provides a method for determining or monitoring efficacy of a treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

(a):

• seeding a cell-free scaffold, obtained from the tumour (the source tumour) before the treatment has been provided to the subject, with cancer cells;
• culturing the cancer cells in the scaffold; and
• assaying the cultured cancer cells for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells;

(b):

• seeding a cell-free scaffold, obtained from the tumour (the source tumour) after the treatment has been provided to the subject, with cancer cells;
• culturing the cancer cells in the scaffold;
• assaying the cultured cancer cells for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells;

and

(c) comparing the results of the assays in (a) and (b);
wherein the cancer cells in (a) and (b) are not cancer cells taken from the source tumour in the subject.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method for determining likely efficacy of a treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

(a)

• seeding a cell-free scaffold obtained from the tumour (the source tumour) with cancer cells;
• culturing the cancer cells in the scaffold;
• assaying the cultured cancer cells for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells;

(b) applying the treatment to the scaffold comprising the cancer cells;

(c) assaying the cultured cancer cells after the treatment has been applied, for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells;
and

(d) comparing the results of the assays in (a) and (c);

wherein the cancer cells in (a)-(c) are not cancer cells taken from the source tumour in the subject.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method for determining one or more tumour properties in a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

• assaying a scaffold obtained from the tumour for one or more proteins selected from any one or more of Tables C-F; and
• determining one or more tumour properties in the subject based on the results of the assay;

wherein the one or more tumour properties are selected from tumour malignancy grade and tumour proliferation; and wherein the scaffold is cell-free scaffold, and the tumour is a breast cancer tumour.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a method for determining a suitable treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

• determining one or more tumour properties in the subject by a method according to the fifth aspect; and
• determining a suitable treatment based on the tumour properties of the tumour.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, the invention provides a method for determining or monitoring efficacy of a treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

• assaying a scaffold, obtained from the tumour before the treatment has been provided to the subject, for one or more proteins selected from any one or more of Tables C-F;
• assaying a scaffold, obtained from the tumour after the treatment has been provided to the subject, for one or more proteins selected from any one or more of Tables C-F; and
• comparing the results of the assay carried out before the treatment with the results of the assay carried out after the treatment;

wherein the scaffold is a cell-free scaffold and the tumour is a breast cancer tumour.

[0012] In a further aspect the invention provides a cancer treatment for use in treating a human subject with a tumour, wherein said cancer treatment has been determined as suitable for or effective in the subject by a method according to any of second, third, fourth, sixth or seventh aspects.

[0013] The invention is further set out in the present claims.

[0014] Except for where the context requires otherwise, references to the methods of the invention may be taken as encompassing methods of any of the aspects herein. Embodiments disclosed in respect of one method or use should also be taken as applicable to the other methods or uses of the invention, unless incompatible, or otherwise stated.

Brief description of the Figures

[0015] 

Figure 1 - A workflow in tumour scaffold production.

Figure 2 - Mass spectrometry analyses of 17 breast cancer tumour scaffolds and identified proteins as well as clustering illustrated by partial component analysis (PCA) and a heatmap.

Figure 3 - Top 21 proteins identified by dynamic PCA (p-value separation) discriminating the unsupervised clusters illustrated by PCA and a heatmap. Tumour grade (grad) and proliferation (Ki67) is included in the PCA and heatmap (shown by dotted circle).

Figure 4 - Top 23 proteins identified by dynamic PCA (p-value separation) discriminating high grade breast cancer (large squares) from lower grade (small squares) and illustration by PCA. The separation of the unsupervised clusters (circles and crosses) using the identified proteins is also shown.

Figure 5 - PCA of the 23 proteins identified by mass spectrometry of cell-free scaffolds significantly linked to tumour grade or proliferation. High grade breast cancer (larger squares) and lower grade (smaller squares). The location of Ki67 and grade is indicated by an arrow in the loading PCA plot.

Figure 6 - . Immunohistochemical Ki67 staining of a (A) peripheral part of a scaffold culture of MDA231 cells and a (B) central part of the scaffold.

Figure 7 - Bulk qPCR of MCF7 breast cancer cells in (reading left to right): control (2D), and three weeks of scaffolds cultures (56, 88, 94).

Figure 8 - Surrogate methods to assess the cancer initiating potential of different breast cancer cell lines grown under regular 2D conditions (2D) or in scaffolds (3D).

Figure 9 - Tumour take in immunocompromised mice using MDA 231 breast cancer cells (231) grown under regular 2D conditions (2D) or in two different scaffolds, 1224 and 1228 (3D).

Figure 10 - Single cell PCR of two scaffolds samples (grey) and a 2D control (dark) using selected genes involved in cell cycle control, differentiation, cancer stem cell and EMT regulation. In total, more than 250 separate cells were analysed and presented as PC1 and PC3 for the different cells and the corresponding gene loading.

Figure 11 - Western blot analyses of Sox2 protein content in 2D and scaffold cultures (#946, #978) using three different breast cancer cell lines.

Figure 12 - Time course of induced qPCR changes in MCF7 cells grown in 2D and three different scaffolds (mean expression). Bars left to right show results for: MCF-7 2D; MCF7-3D 1 day; MCF7-3D 2 days; MCF7-3D 3 days; MCF7-3D 7 days; MCF7-3D 14 days; and MCF7-3D 21 days.

Figure 13 - Next generation RNA-sequencing (NGS) analyses of 2D, scaffold and xenograft samples of MCF7 cells and illustration of selected genes involved in cancer stem cell and EMT regulation.

Figure 14 - Next generation RNA-sequencing (NGS), whole transcriptome analyses of 2D, scaffold and xenograft samples (immunocompromised mice) of the two breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA 231.

Figure 15 - NGS of 2D, scaffolds and xenografts samples and comparisons of similarities in expression between scaffolds and xenografts cultures in relation to 2D

Figure 16 - Venn diagram illustration of NGS data and mutually regulated genes between the three growth conditions.

Figure 17 - Identification of enriched processes in the various culture conditions based on NGS analyses of MCF7cells.

Figure 18 - Gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) indicating the overlap for the top hundred reactomes enriched for among scaffold proteins as well as for upregulated genes in MCF7 and MDA231 breast cancer cells based on NGS analyses of scaffold cultures in comparison with 2D growth.

Figure 19 - PCA illustrations of qPCR analyses of T47D cells grown in 19 different scaffolds indicating a spread of the different scaffold samples (A) and the influence of the various genes analysed (B).

Figure 20 - Schematic principle and illustration of scaffolds as a clinical test of the tumour promoting effect of the specific cancer patients scaffolds measured by changes in gene expression of MCF7 cells.

Figure 21 - PCA illustrations of qPCR analyses of MCF7 cells grown in 46 different scaffolds (dark) and six 2D controls (grey) (A) and the influence of the genes analysed (B).

Figure 22 - PCA illustrations of qPCR analyses of MCF7 cells grown in 46 different scaffolds with indication of scaffolds from patients with disease recurrences (grey) (A) and the influence and clustering of genes analysed (B).

Figure 23 - Kaplan Meier plot of breast cancer recurrences in relation to SLUG expression (cut-off median) in MCF7 cells grown in the different cancer scaffolds obtained from patients (n=46) included in the study (A) and Cox multivariate analyses (B).

Figure 24 - Kaplan Meier plot of breast cancer recurrences in relation to VIMENTIN expression (cutoff median) in MCF7 cells grown in the different cancer scaffolds obtained from patients (n=46) included in the study (A) and Cox multivariate analyses (B).

Description of the sequences

[0016] 

SEQ ID NO: 1- an adapter-ligated oligo-dT 5'-AAGCAGTGGTATCAACGCAGAGTACT₃₀VN-3'

SEQ ID NO: 2 - template switching oligo 5'-AAGCAGTGGTATCAACGCAGAGTACATrGrG+G-3' with rG = riboguanosine and +G = locked nucleic acid modified guanosine

SEQ ID NO 3 - IS PCR primer 5'-AAGCAGTGGTATCAACGCAGAGT-3'

Detailed description of the invention

[0017] The invention herein is concerned with new tests which can be used to characterise tumours, especially breast cancer tumours, based on the composition and properties of cell-free scaffolds obtained from the tumours.

[0018] The present inventors have surprisingly found that cell-free scaffold isolated from a primary breast cancer tumour can act as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in determining clinically relevant properties of the tumour.

[0019] Cancer cells are surrounded by and actively interact with the microenvironment, including the extracellular matrix surrounding the tumour. (Axelson, H. et al. "Hypoxia-induced dedifferentiation of tumor cells--a mechanism behind heterogeneity and aggressiveness of solid tumors". Semin Cell Dev Biol 16, 554-63, 2005; Generali, D. et al. "Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha expression predicts a poor response to primary chemo-endocrine therapy and disease-free survival in primary human breast cancer". Clin Cancer Res 12, 4562-8, 2006.)

[0020] The present inventors have developed a cell culture platform using cell-free scaffold from tumours, such as primary breast cancer tumours, infiltrated with cancer cells, which mimics in vivo growth conditions.

[0021] The complexity of in vivo tumour growth is in strict contrast to most model systems used in cancer research today. The in vitro models used are represented by cell cultures of cancer cell lines growing on plastics under high oxygen supply and immense growth factor activation. The in vivo animal models, using mainly immunocompromised mice, at least in part create more in vivo like cancer growth conditions by the use of implanted human tumours in the form of xenografts. Compared with the in vitro models, such in vivo model systems can be used for drug testing and studies of cancer growth in a more complex environment, but they have several limitations associated with immunocompromised mice as well as non-human stromal reactions. In particular, breast cancer cell growth in xenografts does not mimic in vivo growth in patients as the cells tend to be less infiltrative and also to have large central necrotic areas due to rapid cell division in relation to angiogenic support. This creates an artificial cancer growth system that might be superior to less complex cell cultures but is still not close enough to real in vivo conditions.

[0022] In contrast to these animal models, the cell-free scaffold based culture system developed by the inventors mimics in vivo growth conditions. The inventors have shown that a series of changes are induced in the cancer cells cultured in the scaffold, including changes in differentiation, in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (a process by which epithelial cells de-differentiate to become mesenchymal stem cells) and in proliferation, with a final considerable cancer stem cell expansion in the cell population. The inventors have further found that scaffolds from different patients vary in their ability to promote cancer stem cell features, with some scaffolds inducing more EMT features while others preserve a differentiated and proliferative phenotype in the cancer cells. Importantly, this variation in scaffolds has been linked to clinical properties of the original tumours from which the scaffolds were obtained. For example, more clinically aggressive and/or recurrent tumours have scaffolds which are particularly strong in promoting EMT features in cancer cells cultured within them.

[0023] Thus the inventors have found that cancer cells (not taken from the original source tumour) cultured in the scaffolds can act as reporter cells, providing information about the characteristics of the scaffold, and by extension, of the original source tumour. By monitoring the cultured cancer cells for changes in processes such as proliferation, differentiation, cancer stem cell-ness (pluripotency) or EMT (by testing the cells for expression of suitable markers of these processes) it is possible to determine properties of the original source tumour from which the scaffold was derived. These properties can then be used in diagnosis or prognosis. It is believed that use of patient scaffolds and reporter cells in this way has not previously been described in the art.

[0024] The inventors have also carried out mass spectrometry analyses of scaffolds isolated from primary breast cancer tumours to identify a number of proteins in the scaffolds. The inventors have identified subgroups of scaffolds based on protein composition. When the subgroups were compared with clinical characteristics of the original source tumours, it was found that the subgrouping based on protein composition mirrored grouping based on tumour properties such as tumour grade and tumour proliferation. Therefore the inventors have found that protein composition of scaffold can be used to determine clinically relevant properties of the original source tumour, and have identified particular informative proteins.

[0025] In addition to the above, by applying a combined bioinformatics approach, to the scaffold protein data, and next generation RNA-sequencing (NGS) data obtained from the cancer cells cultured in the scaffolds (indicating transcriptional changes in the cells), the inventors were able to identify an overlap between pathways in which scaffold proteins are enriched, and up- or down- regulated genes in the cells. By further analysis, the inventors identified scaffold proteins and associated regulated cellular genes in three important pathways or modules, as well as key scaffold proteins and associated regulated cellular genes representative of the most central processes. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believe that there is a functional link between the scaffold proteins and the regulated cellular genes in a module or pathway. It is believed that the scaffold proteins influence gene expression in the cells, and that this has a role in mediating the changes in cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, cancer stem cell-ness (pluripotency) or EMT which influence tumour progression. Therefore, by assaying a scaffold sample for the presence of one or more of the identified proteins, or by assaying cancer cells cultured in cell-free scaffold for expression of one or more of the identified genes, it is possible to assess the influence that the scaffold has on cellular gene expression and processes, and this in turn is informative about the clinical properties of the original source tumour.

[0026] The diagnostic and prognostic assays developed by the inventors also find use in selecting treatments for tumours, monitoring tumour treatments, and providing tumour treatments as described herein.

[0027] Thus the present methods and uses allow treatments more focused on subpopulations of cancer cells and the interplay with the microenvironment, in contrast to today's long-standing therapy strategies employing broad and unspecific targeting of cancer cells. The methods also provide means for monitoring how the microenvironment actually affects cancer progression. Today, there is no such method available and novel diagnostic tools are indeed needed.

[0028] In order to assist the understanding of the present invention, certain terms used herein will now be further defined in the following paragraphs.

Tumour properties

[0029] The invention provides methods for determining one or more properties of a tumour.

[0030] A tumour generally refers to a swelling in a part of the body caused by an abnormal growth of tissue. A tumour may be benign or malignant (cancerous).

[0031] A cancerous tumour may be assigned a particular grade, with higher grade indicating a more aggressive tumour. Tumour grade is usually assigned according to the appearance of the tumour cells, for example under a microscope. Grading systems for tumours are known to the skilled person.

[0032] Higher grade tumours are sometimes referred to as progressive tumours. A progressive tumour is generally more aggressive than a non-progressive tumour. Typically, a progressive tumour has one or more of: increased invasiveness, higher malignancy grade or malignancy potential, increased risk of recurrence, increased resistance to treatment, and/or increased tumour proliferation, compared to a non-progressive tumour.

[0033] Tumour properties as used herein refer to any clinically relevant characteristics of a tumour. Tumour properties may be those associated with, or indicative of, a progressive tumour. Such tumour properties may be those which are significant in determining tumour progression, for example, properties which are useful for distinguishing progressive tumours from non-progressive tumours. Suitable tumour properties may include, for example, invasiveness, migration, malignancy grade or malignancy potential, risk of recurrence, resistance to treatment, and/or tumour proliferation. By assessing one or more of these tumour properties, the present methods may be used to identify progressive tumours (or tumours which are likely to develop into progressive tumours) and distinguish these from non-progressive tumours. The methods may also be used to identify non-progressive cancerous tumours or benign tumours. Thus the present methods may be used to classify tumours according to the properties determined, for example, invasive (including likely to become invasive) or non-invasive, recurrent (or likely to become recurrent) or non-recurrent.

[0034] The present methods may also be used to predict likely response to treatment.

[0035] In this way, the present methods are useful both in diagnosing a tumour or class of tumour in a subject, and also in predicting the way in which a tumour is likely to develop in a subject in the future, i.e. in prognosis. Properties such as invasiveness or malignancy grade may be particularly useful in diagnosis. Malignancy grade may also be particularly useful in prognosis. It will be appreciated that other factors may also be taken into account in making a diagnosis or prognosis. For example, diagnosis may also take into account varying cell shapes. Prognosis may also depend on, for example, expression of hormonal receptors, presence of lymph-node metastases, tumour size, expression of oncogenes as HER2, patient age, or RNA expression based tests.

[0036] It will be appreciated that a benign tumour should have a less tumour-promoting scaffold. Accordingly, it will be understood that a benign tumour will show substantially no markers of a progressive tumour.

[0037] Progressive tumours typically require more aggressive forms of treatment than non-progressive tumours. Distinguishing progressive tumours, or tumours that are likely to become progressive, from non-progressive or benign tumours therefore enables clinicians to select the most appropriate treatment for a tumour.

A subject

[0038] The methods and medical uses herein are practiced in respect of a subject having a tumour. The subject may be one in need of determination of tumour properties, or of a treatment for the tumour. The subject is a human. Suitably the subject may be a female. The subject may be a patient undergoing medical care, or an individual requesting medical care.

[0039] A suitable subject may be one in whom the tumour has been determined to be cancerous. Suitable cancerous tumours are described herein, and include, for example breast cancer tumour. Such a subject may be a cancer patient, in particular a breast cancer patient.

[0040] A suitable subject may be one believed to have a progressive tumour, such as a progressive breast cancer tumour. For example, a subject may have symptoms consistent with a progressive tumour. Alternatively, a subject may lack some or all symptoms consistent with a progressive tumour.

[0041] Alternatively, a subject may be one believed to be at risk of developing a progressive tumour, such as a progressive breast cancer tumour, for example, because of familial history or genetic predisposition. It will be appreciated that a subject who may gain benefit from the methods of treatment described herein may be one in whom tumour properties are determined by the assessment conducted as part of the methods of the first and fifth aspects of the invention.

A tumour

[0042] A tumour as referred to herein may be any suitable tumour. A tumour may be benign or malignant. A tumour may be of any suitable tissue. In particular, a tumour may be a breast tumour.

[0043] A tumour as referred to herein has a scaffold as described herein. The cells of such a tumour typically exist in a microenvironment or niche, with which the cells interact. For example, the tumour cells may exist in an extracellular matrix or stroma.

[0044] A suitable tumour may be a malignant tumour of a suitable cancer. Examples of suitable cancers with solid tumours include: breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, urinary bladder cancer, oesophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

[0045] Examples of suitable cancers with non-solid tumours include lymphomas and leukamaemia.

[0046] In one aspect the tumour is not a tumour of the liver, e.g. a liver cancer tumour. In one aspect, the tumour is not a tumour of the pancreas, e.g. apancreatic cancer tumour. A tumour may be a primary cancer tumour.

[0047] A tumour of particular interest is a breast tumour, in particular, a breast cancer tumour, such as a ductal breast cancer tumour.

[0048] As in the present claims, in the method of the fifth aspect and the method of the seventh aspect, the tumour is a breast cancer tumour.

[0049] A tumour, such as any of those described, may be one which is believed to be progressive, or likely to become progressive.

[0050] A tumour from which a scaffold (e.g. a cell-free scaffold) is obtained may be referred to herein as a "source tumour".

Scaffolds and cell-free scaffolds

[0051] The methods herein make use of a scaffold obtained from a tumour in a subject.

[0052] The extracellular matrix of a tumour generally comprises a collection of extracellular molecules, including proteins, secreted by cells that provides structural and/or biochemical support to the surrounding cells. The network of extracellular molecules constitutes a 3-dimensional scaffold for cells in the tumour. Typically, the scaffold provides a microenvironment for the tumour cells with which the cells can interact. A tumour scaffold may comprise, for example collagen and various tumour promoting factors as growth factor as well as inhibitors affecting tumour cell behaviours.

[0053] A cell-free scaffold generally refers to decellularised tumour tissue. Suitably, a cell-free scaffold comprises decellularised extracellular material obtained from the tumour, in which the original 3-dimensional structure is substantially preserved. Suitably the bioactivity of the scaffold is substantially preserved. A cell-free scaffold suitably allows effective attachment, migration, proliferation and 3-dimensional organisation of cells cultures therein. Generally the decellularised scaffold is substantially free of cells, in particular tumour cells. This may be assessed by any suitable means. Merely by way of example, sectioning and microscopic visualisation may be used to determine the presence of absence of nuclei which are indicative of cells, or DNA analysis may be used. Substantially free means that cells are not detectable in the assessments.

[0054] A sample comprising scaffold from a tumour may be prepared using methods known in the art from,, for example, a biopsy.

[0055] A cell-free scaffold may be obtained from a tumour using suitable decellularising methods to remove cells while preserving the basic tumour scaffold composition. Suitable methods are known in the art, (an example is provided in Thompson A et al, Acta Bio Material 12, 5034-5042 (2014)) and are described herein in the Examples. For example, decellularising methods often employ a prolonged mild detergent treatment.

[0056] Merely by way of example, a decellularising method may comprise subjecting a suitable tumour sample (for example, a suitable section taken from a tumour sample) to one or more (e.g. 2, 3, 4 or more) detergent washes, often referred to as decellularisation cycles. Any suitable detergent may be used, for example SDS, Triton X-100, NP40, Tween 20. After each cycle, a small tissue extract may be screened for the presence of absence of cells, for example, by screening for nuclei. Typically, the cycles are continued until cells are not detectable.

[0057] Decellularisation cycles may be followed by one or more washes (for example, in distilled water or a suitable buffer) to remove cell debris. Decellularised samples may be sterilised using a suitable sterilising agent.

[0058] In one embodiment, a method herein may additionally comprise obtaining a cell-free scaffold from a suitable tumour sample.

Seeding of cell-free scaffolds with cancer cells and culture of cancer cells

[0059] In some of the methods herein, a cell-free scaffold derived from a tumour is recellularised with cancer cells. The infiltrated cancer cells can then act as "reporter cells" as changes occurring in the cells (as assessed by marker gene expression) provide information about the malignancy inducing properties of the scaffold, and so the properties of the source tumour.

[0060] The process of recellularising the scaffold with the cancer cells typically comprises seeding the scaffold with the cancer cells, and culturing the cells under suitable conditions. Methods for seeding scaffolds with cells, and for culturing cells in the scaffolds are known in the art. For example, suitable methods are described in Scarritt ME, Pashos NC and Bunnell BA (2015) "A review of cellularization strategies for tissue engineering of whole organs". Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 3:43. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2015.00043 (Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., March 2015, Vol3, Article 43, pp1-17). Suitable methods are described in the present Examples. For example, suitable cancer cells may be added to a suitable sample of cell-free scaffold in suitable media and incubated under conditions suitable for cell growth.

[0061] In one aspect, cells are cultured in the scaffolds for 2-3 weeks before assay according to the present methods.

Cancer cells

[0062] Any suitable cancer cells may be used to repopulate the scaffolds. Suitable cells may be determined according to the tumour from which the scaffold has been obtained. The cells may, for example, be of the same tissue type or cancer type as the tumour from which the cell-free scaffold has been obtained. The cells may be breast cancer cells, especially where the cell-free scaffold is from a breast cancer tumour. Cells of a suitable cancer cell line may be used. Non-limiting examples of breast cancer cell lines include MCF7 cells, MDA231 cells and T47D cells (available from ATCC).

[0063] The cancer cells are not cancer cells taken from the same patient tumour as the scaffold, i.e the cancer cells are not cancer cells taken from the source tumour.

Markers of tumour progression.

[0064] In the method of the first aspect and related methods and uses, the cultured cancer cells are assayed for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells.

[0065] In one embodiment the one or more genes may be one or more markers of tumour progression.

[0066] Tumour progression is generally believed to be associated with particular changes in the tumour cells. For example, there may be changes in differentiation, proliferation, EMT and/or cancer stem-cellness (pluripotency) in the tumour cells. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the apparent proliferative property of progressive tumours is most likely preceded by a genuine increase or quality change of cancer stem cells and EMT properties. An increase in for example EMT, which makes epithelial cells become mesenchymal like, is further linked to migration and infiltrating properties which makes the tumour more malignant with a higher chance of initiating metastases. These changes in cancer stem cell and EMT features will affect the balance of proliferative and differentiated cancer cells causing a decrease in differentiated cells, and (at least initially) a decrease in proliferating cells. Markers of tumour progression are generally molecules (typically biological molecules) which are indicative of tumour progression. For example, such markers may be representative of one or more cellular processes associated with progression. A marker may be indicative of any of the cellular changes described above. Markers may comprise, for example, markers of proliferation, markers of differentiation, markers of stem cells (pluripotency), in particular cancer stem cells, or markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Examples of such markers are presented in Table A.

[0067] It may be that in some cases, one or more markers of proliferation may be useful in determining proliferative properties. Similarly, it may be that, in some cases, one or more EMT markers may be particularly useful in determining tumour migration or invasive properties.

[0068] Suitably, the one or more markers of tumour progression include markers for more than one cellular process associated with progression, for example, 2, 3 or all 4 of the processes described above. Obtaining information about more than one process can offer reliability or detail in determining tumour properties. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more markers of tumour progression may include more than one marker for the same process, for example, any of the cellular processes described above.

[0069] A marker may act as an indicator of progression in any suitable way. Typically, marker expression (for example, an increase or decrease in expression compared to a suitable control) acts an indicator.

[0070] Any suitable markers of tumour progression may be used in the present methods. Suitable markers are known in the art.

[0071] It may be that particular markers are particularly suitable for use in connection with scaffolds from particular tumour types in the present methods. These can be determined by the skilled person using appropriate control samples, and the methods described herein.

[0072] Examples of markers of tumour progression are listed in Table A. Suitably, at least one of the one or more tumour progression markers referred to in the method of the first aspect is selected from these markers.

[0073] Suitably, at least one of the one or more tumour progression markers referred to in the method of the first aspect is selected from CD44v2, SOX2, SNAIL2(SLUG), VIM, ESR1, ERBB2(HER2), MiK67 and CCNA2.

[0074] This is particularly where the source tumour is a breast cancer tumour, in particular ductal breast cancer tumour, for example ER(+ve) ductal breast cancer. The present inventors have shown that differences in expression of these markers in reporter cells cultured in cell-free tumour scaffold derived from ductal breast cancer tumours, allows differentiation between tumour scaffolds from different patients.

[0075] At least one of the markers may be SNAIL2(SLUG) or VIM, in particular VIM. The inventors have shown that expression of each of these markers in reporter cells cultured in cell-free tumour scaffold is associated with breast cancer recurrence in the ductal breast cancer tumour from which the scaffold is derived. Moreover, SLUG and VIM expression changes were also significantly linked to recurrences using univariate analyses, and VIM was further independently linked to disease recurrences in multi-variate analyses. SLUG or VIM, in particular VIM, may also be particularly useful in determining malignancy grade.

Genes in Table G

[0076] In one embodiment, the one or more genes referred to in the method of the first aspect may be selected from the genes listed in Table G.

[0077] As described herein, the inventors have identified a number of genes in cancer cells cultured in cell-free scaffold, which are involved in common pathways or modules with particular scaffold proteins.

[0078] The genes identified by the inventors are listed in Table G, in Modules 1, 2 and 3 and "Highly Central". Module 1 represents "signaling" pathways, and consists of proteins and genes associated with; signal transduction, signaling by SCF-KIT, downstream signal transduction and signaling by VEGF, VEGFA-VEGFR2. Module 2 represents "repair and stress" pathways and consists of proteins and genes associated with DNA Repair, Cellular responses to stress, Cytosolic sensors of pathogen-associated DNA, Generic Transcription Pathway and SUMOylation. Module 3 represents "DNA-replication" pathways and includes proteins and genes associated with: Synthesis of DNA, DNA Replication, M/G1 Transition and DNA Replication Pre-Initiation.

[0079] In Table G, lists of genes are presented for each of the cancer cell lines: MCF7 and MDA231. Genes are listed as upregulated or downregulated in these cells when the cells are grown in the scaffolds.

[0080] It is believed that the scaffold proteins in a particular Module influence expression of the genes in that Module, and this in turn mediates changes in the cells associated with tumour progression. By assaying expression of one or more of these genes in the cultured cells, it is possible to assess the effects of the scaffold on the cells, and so determine properties of the original source tumour.

[0081] The one or more genes may be selected from any of Modules 1, 2 or 3, or from the "Highly Central" list, or from any combination of these. In one embodiment the one or more genes is selected from the "Highly Central" list of genes in Table G. These are believed to be key genes, involved in initiating and mediating the changes in cells associated with tumour progression, in particular, cancer stem cell and EMT functions.

[0082] It will be appreciated that the one or more genes may be selected from more than one Module or list, and/or that expression of more than one gene may be assayed. In one instance the method may comprise assaying for expression of more than one gene from the same Module.

[0083] The one or more genes may be selected from an MCF7 and/or MDA231 list in any Module. Suitably, where the cultured cancer cells are MCF7 cells, the one or more genes may be selected from an MCF7 list, and/or where the cultured cancer cells are MDA231 cells, the one or more genes may be selected from an MDA231 list.

[0084] Where a gene is indicated to be upregulated in Table G, an assay is typically for an increase in expression. Where a gene is indicated to be down-regulated in Table G, an assay is typically for a decrease in expression.

[0085] It will be appreciated that any one or more the genes listed in Table G may represent a target for cancer therapy.

Target molecules

[0086] Target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes are any molecules which are representative of gene expression in the cultured cancer cells. Such target molecules may be representative of gene expression either directly or indirectly. By way of example, a suitable target molecule which is directly representative of gene expression may comprise an RNA transcript. Alternatively, a suitable target molecule may comprise a protein. For example, a suitable target molecule which is indirectly representative of gene expression may comprise a protein encoded by the gene.

[0087] Examples of target molecules may also include lipids or carbohydrates.

[0088] It will be appreciated that the nature of the target molecule may be chosen in order to be consistent with use in a preferred assaying system.

[0089] Target molecules may be obtained from the cultured cancer cells using methods known to the skilled person, and appropriate to the nature of the target molecule. Typically, cells are processed in order to provide a sample comprising the target molecules which is suitable for use in an assay.

Scaffold protein markers

[0090] In the method of the fifth aspect, a scaffold obtained from a tumour is assayed for one or more specified proteins. The scaffold is a cell-free scaffold and the tumour is a breast cancer tumour.

[0091] In the method, a scaffold obtained from the tumour (a breast cancer tumour) is assayed for one or more proteins selected from any one or more of Tables C-F.

[0092] The inventors have shown that the proteins in Table B can be used to subgroup scaffolds in a way that mirrors clinical properties of the source tumours, such as higher or lower grade. Therefore the proteins are useful in classifying source tumours by tumour property.

[0093] Proteins listed in PCA Cluster 1 in Table B typically show a negative association with tumour proliferation or tumour grade. Proteins listed in PCA Cluster 2 in Table B typically show a positive association with tumour proliferation or tumour grade.

[0094] As used herein, where a protein is described as having a positive association with a given tumour property, e.g. proliferation or grade, this means that an increased amount of that protein (relative to a suitable standard) is indicative of that property. Similarly, where a protein is described as having a negative association with a given tumour property, e.g. high proliferation or high grade, this means that an decreased amount of that protein (relative to a suitable standard) is indicative of that property.

[0095] In one embodiment, the method comprises assaying for one or more proteins selected from Table C or Table D. The proteins in Table C have been identified by the inventors as significantly linked to tumour proliferation (p≤0.05). The proteins in Table D have been identified by the inventors as significantly linked to tumour proliferation (p<0.01). Therefore tests based on proteins in Table C or D are particularly useful for determining tumour proliferation properties.

[0096] In one embodiment, the method comprises assaying for one or more proteins selected from Table E or Table F. The proteins in Table E have been identified by the inventors as significantly linked to tumour grade (p≤0.05). The proteins in Table F have been identified by the inventors as significantly linked to tumour grade (p<0.01). Therefore tests based on proteins in Table E or F are particularly useful for determining tumour proliferation properties.

[0097] In Tables C-F, proteins having a positive association with high proliferation (Tables C & D) or high grade (Tables E & F) are denoted by a (+). Proteins having a negative association with high proliferation (Tables C & D) or high grade (Tables E & F) are denoted by a (-).

[0098] The scaffold proteins listed in Table G have been identified by the inventors as interacting in pathways or modules with genes expressed in cancer cells cultured in the scaffold. The proteins are believed to be important in influencing expression of genes in the cells, as listed in the Table. The inventors believe that the scaffold proteins influence expression of the genes in tumour cells in vivo, and that this helps to mediate changes in the tumour cells that are associated with tumour progression. The proteins in Table G are listed as in Module 1, Module 2, Module 3, or "Highly Central" in Table G. The "Highly Central" list of scaffold proteins in Table Gare believed to be key regulatory proteins, involved in initiating and mediating the changes in cells associated with tumour progession, in particular, cancer stem cell and EMT functions.

[0099] The method of the fifth aspectcomprises assaying the scaffold for one or more proteins selected from one or more of Tables C-F. It will be appreciated therefore that the one or more proteins may be selected from more than one of the Tables, and/or that more than one protein may be assayed.

[0100] The method of the fifth aspect may additionally comprise assaying the scaffold for one or more of the proteins in Table H. The inventors have identified the proteins listed in Table H in cell-free scaffolds obtained from breast cancer tumours.

[0101] Also described herein is a method for determining one or more tumour properties in a subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

• assaying a sample comprising scaffold obtained from the tumour for one or more proteins selected from Table H; and
• determining one or more tumour properties in the subject based on the results of the assay.

[0102] Unless otherwise specified or incompatible, terms, methods and uses described in connection with the methods of the fifth aspect are also applicable to this method.

Tables of Genes and Proteins

[0103] Genes and proteins herein are identified in a number of Tables. For clarification, the genes and proteins are also denoted in the Tables by Accession Numbers.

[0104] The genes and proteins are exemplified for a human subject.

Assaying

[0105] In the method of the first aspect, the term "assaying" refers to determining the presence of target molecules representative of expression of one or more genes.

[0106] The determination may comprise a simple assessment of the presence or absence of the target molecule or may include a determination of the quantity of the target molecule present.

[0107] A suitable method by which such assaying may be carried out is selected based on type of target molecule selected.

[0108] For example, gene expression can be measured directly by techniques that allow the detection and quantification of RNA target molecules, such as RT-PCR, real-time PCR (qPCR), Northern blot, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and RNA microarray.

[0109] In another example, gene expression can be measured indirectly, by techniques that allow the detection and quantification of protein target molecules, such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay, immunoprecipitation, Western blot and mass spectrometry. Other suitable techniques for assaying proteins may be known to the person skilled in the art.

[0110] In a suitable embodiment an assay may allow multiple sets of target molecules to be assayed within a single reaction. An assay meeting such requirements may be referred to as a multiplex assay. Suitably a multiplex assay may allow all requisite target molecules to be assayed within a single reaction mixture (a "single tube" multiplex assay). Single tube multiplex assays may be particularly suitable for assaying mRNA transcript target molecules within a sample.

[0111] Other methods suitable for assaying gene expression will be known to the person skilled in the art.

[0112] Suitably, gene expression data obtained in the assay is compared with a suitable standard or reference. Expression of a particular gene may be increased (up-regulated) or decreased (downregulated) compared to the standard. In one instance, a gene may show a statistically significant increase or decrease in expression compared to the standard. The change in expression of the gene is indicative of a cellular process as described herein.

[0113] A suitable standard may be, for example, gene expression in control cells, e.g. a control cell line, (typically the same cells or cell line as the cancer cells cultured in the cell-free scaffold) cultured under standard 2-D conditions. A number of controls may be used and a suitable data set constructed in order to provide a suitable standard or standards.

[0114] Another example of a suitable standard may be an expression data set for the gene, obtained using scaffolds derived from a range of source tumours, typically tumours of the same tissue type or cancer type as the source tumour in the test assay.

[0115] As described herein, expression may be determined for more than one gene in the present methods, for example, for markers of more than one cellular process, and these may each be assessed as above. In this way, a picture of a tumour, and of its properties, may be constructed.

[0116] In the method of the fifth aspect, the term "assaying" refers to determining the presence of one or more of the selected proteins in the scaffold. The determination may comprise a simple assessment of the presence of absence of the protein or may include a determination of the quantity of the protein present. Suitably the determination comprises a determination of the quantity of the protein present.

[0117] Typically, assays are carried out on a suitable sample prepared from the scaffold. This may be, for example, a sample of fixed tumour material.

[0118] Proteins may be assayed in the sample using any suitable technique that allows detection and/or quantification of protein molecules. Examples include immunohistochemistry, ELISA, radioimmunoassay, immunoprecipitation, Western blot protein ligation assays and mass spectrometry. Suitable, mass spectrometry may be used. Quantification of the amount of protein may be achieved by using suitable standards, e.g. a reference cell line having a specific amount of the protein, or known amount of purified protein. Other suitable techniques for assaying proteins may be known to the person skilled in the art.

[0119] The amount of protein in the test scaffold sample may be compared with a suitable database derived from clinically characterised scaffold samples.

Treatment

[0120] The determinative methods of the first and fifth aspects are also useful in selecting tumour treatments, monitoring tumour treatments and in treating tumours. Tumour treatment can vary depending on the grade of the tumour. A progressive tumour with, for example, high grade and invasiveness (or a tumour which is likely to develop into such a progressive tumour) will typically require more aggressive treatment. Therefore assessment of tumour properties according to the present methods can be used to select appropriate treatment. Similarly, application of the determinative assays of the first and fifth aspects during and/or after treatment can be used to monitor the efficacy of treatment.

Cancer treatments

[0121] As used herein, "treat", "treating" or "treatment" refer to provision of a clinical improvement in the subject as regards the tumourous condition. Typically, this refers to a clinical improvement of cancer in a subject with a cancerous tumour. A clinical improvement may be demonstrated by an improvement of the pathology and/or symptoms associated with the cancer.

[0122] Clinical improvement of the pathology may be demonstrated by one or more of the following: increased time to regrowth of cancer upon stopping of treatment, lack of regrowth of cancer upon stopping treatment, decreased tumour invasiveness, reduction of metastasis, increased cancer cell differentiation, or increased survival rate. Effective treatment may be demonstrated by the establishment, and optionally maintenance, of at least one of these indications.

[0123] A clinical improvement may be demonstrated by one or more anti-tumour effects. Non-limiting examples of anti-tumour effects include inhibition of tumour growth, delay in tumour growth, reduced speed of tumour growth, or a partial or complete reduction in tumour mass.

[0124] Clinical improvement of symptoms associated with cancer may be, but are not limited to partial or complete alleviation of pain and/or swelling, increased appetite, reduced weight loss and reduced fatigue.

[0125] It will be appreciated that a clinical improvement may also be determined as an improvement in tumour properties as assessed using the methods herein.

[0126] Treatments for cancerous tumours, are known to the skilled person, and include, for example, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or surgical options.

[0127] Treatments may vary according to the tissue that the tumour occurs in, and according to the grade of the tumour. More aggressive tumours will typically require more aggressive treatment, for example, more aggressive drugs, higher doses of drugs or radiation, or surgical intervention.

[0128] Non-limiting examples of therapies for breast cancer are listed in the Table below, together with approximate treatment concentration ranges for human breast cancer.

	Treatment name	Treatment concentration for human
Chemotherapy	Epirubicin (Anthracyclin)	60-90 mg/m2
	Cyclophosphamide	500-600mg/m2
	5-FU (5-fluorouracil)	500-600mg/m2
	Paclitaxel (Taxanes)	70-90 mg/m2
	Eribulin	-
	Vinorelbin	-
	Methotrexate	-
Endocrine therapy	Tamoxifen	20mg/day
	Fulvestrant	500mg/month
Other therapies	Trastuzumab	-
	Pertuzumab	-
	Lapatinib (HER2)	-
	Everolimus (mTOR)	-

Selecting, providing and monitoring treatment

[0129] As described herein, the determinative methods of the first and fifth aspects are useful in determining a suitable treatment for a subject with a tumour. Once tumour properties have been determined, a treatment may be selected which is appropriate to those particular properties of the tumour. For example, a high grade, invasive tumour (or a tumour which is likely to develop into a high grade invasive tumour) will typically require a more aggressive form of treatment.

[0130] In second and sixth aspects, the invention provides a method for determining a suitable treatment for a subject with a tumour, comprising determining tumour properties in the subject by a method according to the first or fifth aspect, and determining a suitable treatment based on the tumour properties.

[0131] The determinative methods of the first and fifth aspects are also useful for determining or monitoring efficacy of treatment in a subject with a tumour. Typically, this is done by performing the assays of the determinative methods before and after treatment, and comparing the assay results.

[0132] Thus in a third aspect, the invention provides a method for determining or monitoring efficacy of treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

(a):

• seeding a cell-free scaffold, obtained from the tumour (the source tumour) before the treatment has been provided to the subject, with cancer cells;
• culturing the cancer cells in the scaffold; and
• assaying the cultured cancer cells for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells;

(b):

• seeding a cell-free scaffold, obtained from the tumour (the source tumour) after the treatment has been provided to the subject, with cancer cells;
• culturing the cancer cells in the scaffold;
• assaying the cultured cancer cells for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells;

and

(c) comparing the results of the assays in (a) and (b);

wherein the cancer cells are not cancer cells taken from the source tumour in the subject.

[0133] In one embodiment the one or more genes may be one or more markers of tumour progression. In one embodiment the one or more genes may be selected from Table G.

[0134] Step (c) may comprise comparing the expression of one or more genes determined in step (a) with the expression of one or more genes determined in step (b).

[0135] In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more genes in steps (a) and (b) may be the same in each step. Thus the method may comprise comparing the expression of the same particular gene before and after treatment.

[0136] In one embodiment, at least one of the genes in step (a) and at least one of the genes in step (b) are markers of the same cellular process or change. For example, each may be markers of proliferation, or markers of differentiation, or markers of stem cells (pluripotency), in particular cancer stem cells, or markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

[0137] The target molecules which are assayed in steps (a) and (b) may be the same type of target molecule or may be different.

[0138] It will be appreciated that description provided herein in connection with the method of the first aspect, will also be applicable to the method of the third aspect. Thus, for example, description of genes in connection with the first aspect are also applicable.

[0139] In a seventh aspect, the invention provides a method for determining or monitoring efficacy of a treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

(a) assaying a scaffold, obtained from the tumour before the treatment of the subject, for one or more proteins selected from any one of more of Tables C-F;

(b) assaying a scaffold, obtained from the tumour after the treatment of the subject, for one or more proteins selected from any one or more of Tables C-F; and

(c) comparing the results of the assay carried out before the treatment with the results of the assay carried out after the treatment;

wherein the scaffold is a cell-free scaffold and the tumour is a breast cancer tumour.

[0140] Step (c) may comprise comparing the presence or amount of one or more proteins determined in step (a) with the presence or amount of one or more proteins determined in step (b).

[0141] It will be appreciated that description provided herein in connection with the method of the fifth aspect, will also be applicable to the method of the seventh aspect. Thus, for example, description of proteins in connection with the fifth aspect are also applicable.

[0142] In the methods of the third and seventh aspects, steps (a) and (b) may additionally comprise determining one or more tumour properties based on the assay results. In that case, the method for determining or monitoring efficacy of treatment may comprise comparing one or more tumour properties before and after treatment.

[0143] It will be appreciated that the treatment which is being assessed may be a complete course of treatment, or a partial treatment or a particular stage of treatment. Thus, in one embodiment, step (a) may be carried out before any treatment has been provided to the subject, and step (b) may be carried out after completion of a course of treatment. In another embodiment, step (a) may be carried out before any treatment has been provided to the subject, and step (b) may be carried out after a partial treatment, or after a particular stage of treatment. In another embodiment, step (a) may be carried out during treatment, and step (b) may be carried out at a later stage of treatment. Step (a) and/or step (b) may be repeated as treatment progresses. In this way, the method can be used to provide an ongoing assessment of treatment.

[0144] Efficacy of treatment will be shown by a detectable improvement in one or more tumour properties after treatment. This may be determined by a change in marker gene expression which is indicative of such an improvement. An improvement in tumour properties generally refers to a reduction in one or more properties associated with progression, such as any of those described herein. For example, an improvement may be a reduction in invasiveness, migration, malignancy grade, malignancy potential recurrence, resistance to treatment and/or proliferation.

Providing treatment and medical uses

[0145] In some instances, the methods of the first and fifth aspects include an additional step of selecting a suitable treatment. The treatment will be selected according to the tumour properties determined. Also described herein is a method of the first or fifth aspects which includes an additional step of providing a suitable treatment to the subject.

[0146] In a further aspect, the invention provides a cancer treatment for use in treating a subject with a tumour. Also described herein is a method of treating subject with a tumour.

Providing

[0147] The term "providing" as used herein encompasses any techniques by which the subject receives a particular therapy. Suitable techniques for administering cancer therapies are known to the skilled person.

Predicting likely efficacy of treatment

[0148] A method according to the first aspect may also be used to assess the likely efficacy of a particular treatment in a subject with a tumour. By applying the treatment to the cell-free scaffold comprising the cultured cells, and assessing the effect on the outcome of the determinative assay, it is possible to predict the likely efficacy of the treatment in the source tumour.

[0149] Thus, in a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method for determining likely efficacy of a treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

(a)

• seeding a cell-free scaffold obtained from the tumour (the source tumour) with cancer cells;
• culturing the cancer cells in the scaffold;
• assaying the cultured cancer cells for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells;

(b) applying the treatment to the scaffold comprising the cancer cells;

(c) assaying the cultured cancer cells after the treatment has been applied, for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells;
and

(d) comparing the results of the assays in (a) and (c);

wherein the cancer cells in (a)-(c) are not cancer cells taken from the source tumour in the subject.

[0150] In one embodiment the one or more genes may be one or more markers of tumour progression. In one embodiment the one or more genes may be selected from Table G.

[0151] Step (d) may comprise comparing the expression of one or more genes determined in step (a) with the expression of one or more genes determined in step (c).

[0152] In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more genes in steps (a) and (c) may be the same in each step. Thus the method may comprise comparing the expression of the same particular gene before and after treatment.

[0153] In one embodiment, at least one of the genes in step (a) and at least one of the genes in step (c) are markers of the same cellular change or process. For example, each may be markers of proliferation, or markers of differentiation, or markers of stem cells (pluripotency), in particular cancer stem cells, or markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

[0154] The target molecules which are assayed in steps (a) and (c) may be the same type of target molecule or may be different.

[0155] Steps (a) and (c) may additionally comprise diagnosing or prognosing one or more tumour properties based on the assay results. In that case, the method for determining likely efficacy of treatment may comprise comparing one or more tumour properties before and after treatment.

[0156] Efficacy of treatment will be shown by a detectable improvement in one or more tumour properties after treatment. This may be determined by a change in marker gene expression which is indicative of such an improvement.

[0157] It will be appreciated that description provided herein in connection with the method of the first aspect, will also be applicable to the method of the fourth aspect. Thus, for example, description of genes in connection with the first aspect are also applicable.

Other terms

[0158] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0159] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

[0160] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. However, it will be appreciated that the words "comprise" and "contain" encompass within their meaning, the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of".

[0161] Unless otherwise noted, technical terms are used according to conventional usage. Definitions of common terms in molecular biology may be found in Benjamin Lewin, Genes V, published by Oxford University Press, 1994 (ISBN 0-19- 854287-9); Kendrew et al. (eds.), The Encyclopedia of Molecular Biology, published by Blackwell Science Ltd., 1994 (ISBN 0-632-02182-9); and Robert A. Meyers (ed. ), Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: a Comprehensive Desk Reference, published by VCH Publishers, Inc., 1995 (ISBN 1-56081-569-8).

[0162] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in to the specification to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Unless stated otherwise, the contents of any Internet sites referenced herein are incorporated herein by reference as of 3 November 2016.

[0163] Any references to "detectable" or "detected" are as within the limits of detection of the given assay or detection method.

EXAMPLES

[0164] The invention will now be described by way of specific Examples and with reference to the accompanying Figures, which are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting upon the teachings herein.

Materials and methods

Decellularization procedure

[0165] Breast cancer samples were collected directly after surgery or from a frozen biobank via the clinical pathology diagnostic unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. A piece of the tumor containing area, approximately 3x3x2 mm, was sectioned from the sample. The sample sizes varied depending on the available tumour material but the maximum thickness of the scaffolds used for the process did not exceed 3 mm. Tumour pieces then underwent repetitive washes consisting of incubation in 0.1% SDS + 0.02 % Na-Azide (VWR-786-299) + 5mM 2H₂O-Na₂- EDTA (Sigma-ED2SS) and 0.4 mM PMSF (Sigma -93482) for 6 hours followed by rinses in destilled water including (0.02 % Na-Azide and 5mM 2H₂O-Na₂- EDTA and 0.4 mM PMSF) for 15 min (1). After each decelluralization cycle a small piece of tissue was screened for the presence of nuclei using standard histological procedures and if nuclei were still present, the wash cycle was repeated. The number of washes needed varied from 1-4 (mean 1,9). Two wash cycles were sufficient for more than 80% of the samples. After successful decellularization, the specimens were washed for 72 hrs in distilled water exchanged every 12 hour to remove cell debris followed by a 24 hour wash in PBS (Medicago 09-9400-100). All wash steps were performed at 37°C on an agitator with gentle shaking (175 RPM). Sterilization was performed by incubation in 0.1% peracetic acid (Sigma Aldrich 433241) in destilled water for 1 hour in room temperature followed by a wash in PBS containing 1% Antibiotic-Antimycotic (Gibco 15240096) for 24 hours 37°C (175 RPM). Scaffolds were then stored up to 1 month in PBS containing 0.02 % Na-Azide and 5mM 2H₂O-Na₂- EDTA in +4°C. Before recellularization, scaffolds were washed in PBS containing 1% Antibiotic-Antimycotic for 24 hours, 37°C or soaked in complete media for 1 h to remove storage buffer.

Recellularization with breast cancer cells

[0166] Different methods to recellularize scaffolds were tested including variations in cell amounts, culture conditions and application of cells. The optimal method to obtain successful recullarization was to use 3x3 mm scaffolds with a maximum depth of 2 mm and adding 3 × 10⁵ cells to a 48-well plate containing 0,5 ml cell line specific media with 1% Antibiotic-Antimycotic. The day after seeding cells, scaffolds were transferred to a new well and visually checked every fourth day. If cells were growing outside the scaffold area the scaffold was transferred to a new well. Optimal growth time for the scaffolds was 2-3 weeks.

FACS

[0167] Individual cells were collected by FACS in a 96-well plate and subjected to direct cell lysis in RNase free water with BSA (Thermo Scientific B14) 1 mg/ml, and immediately frozen on dry ice. To each 96-well plate, 100 cells were sorted to two wells (positive control) and two wells were empty (negative control).

Harvest and extraction of RNA

[0168] Recellularized scaffolds were washed twice in PBS before lysed in lysis buffer (RNase free water with BSA (Thermo Scientific B14) 1 mg/ml). RNA Spike II (TATAA RS10SII) 5 ul/100ul and RnaseOUT (Invitrogen 10777-019) 4U/ul was also added in the lysis step in material derived from the biobank. Control cells grown in monolayer was either washed with PBS and frozen immediately on dry ice or scraped off the plastic surface and harvested using lysis buffer or QIAzol. RNA was then extracted or samples were placed on dry ice and stored in -80°C.

[0169] To retrieve RNA, samples were thawed on ice and homogenized using a stainless steel bead (Qiagen 69989) in TissueLyzer II (Qiagen) for 2x5min, 25Hrz. To the frozen tumour pieces QIAzol and a steel bead was added prior to homogenization. Samples were visually checked and if not shattered, homogenization was repeated for another 5 minutes.

[0170] Samples were centrifuged 4°C 1min at 10000rpm and used for cDNA synthesis or RNA was further purified by phenol chloroform extraction, miRNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen 217084) and DNased by Rnase-Free Dnase Set (Qiagen 79254). RNA concentration was measured by NanoDrop and samples for QuantSeq sequencing was quality tested on Bioanalyzer.

Reverse transcription

[0171] cDNA synthesis from RNA was carried out using GrandScript cDNA synthesis kit (TATAA Biocenter). Reverse transcription was performed in 10-20 µl reaction mixes and was performed at 22-25°C for 5min, 42°C for 30min and terminated by heating to 85°C for 5min followed by cooling down to 4°C. All samples were diluted 4x with water before further processing.

Preamplification

[0172] For single cell analysis preamplification was performed on cDNA (corresponding to half a cell) with SYBR GrandMaster Mix (TATAA Biocenter) using a primer pool of 96 primer pairs. Preamplification was performed in 40 µl containing SYBR GrandMaster Mix (1x), primers (40 nM, each primer) and BSA (1 µg/µl). Preamplification was performed at 95°C for 3min followed by 20 cycles of amplification (95°C for 20sec, 60°C for 3min and 72°C for 20sec) and a final incubation at 72°C for 10 min. All preamplified samples were chilled on ice and diluted 1:20 in TE-buffer, pH 8.0 (Ambion).

qPCR

[0173] All qPCR primers were designed using Primer3 (http://frodo.wi.mit.edu/primer3/input.htm), Primer-BLAST (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/tools/primer-blast/) or Netprimer (Premier) and synthesized by Sigma-Aldrich. Primers were controlled for specificity using BLAST (NCBI). Primer pairs were tested in qPCR runs for their specificity and PCR product sizes were confirmed by gel electrophoresis.

[0174] qPCR was performed on 2 µl diluted, preamplified cDNA or non-preamplified cDNA using SYBR GrandMaster Mix (TATAA). qPCR was performed in 6 µl containing SYBR GrandMaster Mix (1x) and primers (400 nM, each primer) in 384-well plates (FrameStar 480, 4titude) on a CFX384 Touch Real-Time PCR Detection System (Bio-Rad). qPCR samples were heated to 95°C for 2 min and amplified for 35-50 cycles at 95°C for 5 s, 60°C for 20 s, and 70°C for 20 s followed by a melting curve analysis performed from 65°C to 95°C with 0.5°C per 5 s increments.

Data analysis

[0175] Cq values were determined by the second derivative maximum method using the CFX Manager Software version 3.1 (Bio-Rad). Data pre-processing were performed with GenEx (MultiD) as described (2). Briefly, samples with aberrant melting curves were removed. For single cell analysis, an inter-plate calibrator (IPC) sample was included in the qPCR used for normalization. Cycle of quantification values larger than 28 were replaced with 28. Data were transformed to relative quantities assuming that a cycle of quantification value of 28 was equal to one molecule. Missing data were replaced with 0.5 molecules. For bulk-qPCR samples values were normalized using 2D control samples and cycle of quantification values larger than 35 were replaced with 35. Data were transformed to relative quantities assuming that a cycle of quantification value of 35 was equal to one molecule. Missing data were replaced with 36 molecules.

Whole-mRNA reverse transcription and pre-amplification

[0176] RNA from cells grown in monolayer, scaffolds or xenografts was diluted in a buffer containing 5 µl, 1µg/µl BSA, 2.5% glycerol (Fisher Scientific) and 0.2% Triton X-100 (Sigma-Aldrich-Aldrich) in DNase/RNase-free water (Life Technologies) to reach a final amount of 10 ng total RNA in 5µl sample volume. Samples were processed according to a recently published Smart-Seq2 protocol (3) with minor changes (NB: final concentrations of the hybridization and reverse transcription (RT) protocol are given in brackets and refer to RT reaction volume). In short, adapter-ligated oligo-dT (1 µM, 5'-AAGCAGTGGTATCAACGCAGAGTACT₃₀VN-3', with V = A, C or G and N = A, C, G, or T, Sigma-Aldrich) were hybridized to mRNA in the presence of dNTP (1 mM, Sigma-Aldrich) and ERCC spike-in controls (3)(corresponding to 1 µl of 1:5000 diluted stock solution; Life Technologies) at 72°C for 3 min. RT was performed in 15 µl containing SuperScript II first-strand buffer (1x; 50 mM Tris-HCI, pH 8.3, 75 mM KCI, and 3 mM MgCl₂, Invitrogen), betaine (1 M, Sigma-Aldrich), DTT (5 mM), additional MgCl₂ (10 mM, both Life Technologies), template switching oligo (TSO; 5'-AAGCAGTGGTATCAACGCAGAGTACATrGrG+G-3' with rG = riboguanosine and +G = locked nucleic acid modified guanosine; 0.6 µM, Eurogentec), RNaseOUT (15 U, Invitrogen), and SuperScript II enzyme (150 U, Invitrogen) at 42°C for 90 min and 70°C for 15 min before being chilled to 4°C. Aliquots of non-amplified cDNA samples were stored at -20°C until further use.

[0177] Preamplification of 7.5 µl cDNA was performed in 50 µl containing KAPA Hifi HotStart Ready Mix (1x; KAPA Biosystems) and IS PCR primer (60 nM, 5'-AAGCAGTGGTATCAACGCAGAGT-3', Sigma-Aldrich) as follows: denaturation at 98°C for 3 min followed by 24 cycles of incubation at 98°C for 20 s, 67°C for 15 s, and 72°C for 6 min, and a final incubation at 72°C for 5 min before being chilled to 4°C.

[0178] Aliquots of 1 µl purified samples were forwarded to capillary gel electrophoresis using the High Sensitivity DNA Kit (Agilent) on a 2100 Bioanalyzer (Agilent) to assess their concentration and product length distribution.

Preparing indexed RNA-sequencing libraries

[0179] RNA-sequencing libraries were generated using the Nextera XT DNA Sample Preparation and Index kits (Illumina) according to the manufacturer's recommendations with minor changes. In short, 0.1 ng of preamplified cDNA were tagmented in a volume of 20 µl containing 10 µl TD buffer and 5 µl ATM at 55°C for 5 min. Tagmentation was stopped by addition of 5 µl of NT buffer and incubation at room temperature for another 5 min (all solutions supplied in the Nextera XT DNA Sample Preparation Kit). For introducing indexing sequences, 15 µl NMP PCR master mix solution (Nextera XT DNA Sample Preparation Kit) and 5 µl of i5 and i7 index primers, each, (Nextera XT v2 Index Kit) were added to tagmented samples and subjected to amplification. Therefore, samples were heated to 72°C for 3 min, denaturated at 95°C for 30 s and amplified for 16 cycles at 95°C for 10 s, 55°C for 30 s, and 72°C for 30 s, followed by a final extension step at 72°C for another 5 min before being chilled to 10°C. Samples were purified using the AMPure XP beads kit (Agencourt, Beckman Coulter) as recommended by the manufacturer with minor changes. In short, tagmented and indexed cDNA was bound to beads (sample:beads volume ratio of 0.6) at room temperature for 5 min and separated from supernatant on a magnetic stand (DynaMag 96 Side, Life Technologies) for another 5 min. Supernatants were removed and captured cDNA-charged beads were rinsed twice with 200 µl 80% ethanol for 30 s before being air dried for approximately 2 min. Purified cDNA was recovered from beads in DNase/RNase-free water yielding 15 µl eluate and stored at -20°C until further use.

[0180] Mean fragment length (High Sensitivity DNA Kit) and concentration (dsDNA High Sensitivity Assay Kit, Qubit, Life Technology) of indexed single-cell libraries were assessed. Single-cell libraries diluted to 15 nM and pooled. Quality and concentration of the final pool was assessed as above and it was diluted to 10 nM before being forwarded to sequencing.

RNA sequencing

[0181] Sample pool was forwarded to paired-end sequencing on a high-throughput sequencer (NextSeq 500, Illumina).

Accompanying quality controls and measurements

[0182] Quality control singleplex qPCR on cDNA using RPS10 was performed where 1 µl undiluted, non-preamplified cDNA were run in 10 µl containing 1x TATAA SYBR GrandMaster Mix and 400 nM of each primer in 384-well plates (FrameStar 480, 4titude) on a CFX384 Touch Real-Time PCR Detection System (Bio-Rad). qPCR samples were heated to 95°C for 2 min and amplified for 50 cycles at 95°C for 5 s, 60°C for 20 s, and 70°C for 20 s followed by a melting curve analysis performed from 65°C to 95°C with 0.5°C per 5 s increments. Cq values were determined by the second derivative maximum method using the CFX Manager Software version 3.1 (Bio-Rad). Additionally, a similar qPCR analysis was performed on preamplified samples to make sure there was no inconsistency in the preamplification reaction.

Alignment and gene level expression estimation

[0183] Reads were aligned to the hg19 reference of the human genome, with ERCC spike-in sequences appended, using the STAR (5) read mapper with splice junctions supplied from the GENCODE (6) V17 annotation. To obtain expression estimates, reads were binned to genes using HTseq (7), with the options "-s no" and "-m intersection-strict". Read counts thus derived were then normalized using sample library size to obtain RPM values.

Principal component analysis

[0184] A principal component analysis was performed using MATLAB function pea or GenEx (Multid). The analysis was performed on zscore transformed expression values as standardized log₂(RPM+1).

Differential expression analysis

[0185] Differential expression analysis was performed in R using the DESeq2 analysis method (7). Samples from the two cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 were analyzed separately and within each cell line samples were grouped as 2D, scaffold or xenograft. A pre-filtering step was performed removing genes with a sum of reads of zero or one. Differentially expressed genes were defined pair-wise between all conditions using a cutoff of padj of 0.05. Up-regulated and down-regulated genes were further defined using a cutoff of log2(fold change) of 1 and -1, respectively.

Gene set enrichment analysis

[0186] The differentially expressed genes were further analysed using gene set enrichment analysis where the Reactome gene set was used to find pathways connected to the different gene lists.

Xenografts

[0187] Cell lines MDA-231, MCF7 and T47D were grown on scaffolds and in 2D cultures. Accutase (Sigma Aldrich A6964) was used for dissociation into single cell suspensions. Cells were counted manually and suspended in DMEM mixed 1:1 with GF reduced Matrigel (BD Biosciences) prior to injections subcutaneously in the flanks of NOG mice (immunocompromised, non-obese severe combined immune deficient interleukin-2 chain receptor γ knockout mice) from Taconic, Denmark. A 17β-Estradiol pellet, 90-day release (Innovative Research of America) was implanted 2-4 days before cell injections in the mice receiving an estrogen dependent cell line. Tumors were measured using calipers twice a week and tumour volume was calculated by the formula 1/2(Length × Width²).

Western blot

[0188] Cells were harvested in RIPA buffer containing protease inhibitors and EDTA, pipetted up and down occasionally while incubated on ice for 30 min to 1 h. Lysates were centrifuged at 8,000XG for 15 min, 4°C. Supernatant was transferred to a new tube and used for western blot analyses. Lysates were mixed with loading buffer, reducing agents and heated to 98°C for 5 min and then allowed to cool. Standard procedures for BioRad western blot system was used. Proteins were transferred to a Nitrocellulose membrane using wet transfer system 200 mA.

Mammosphere Assay

[0189] Mammosphere assays were carried out as described in (9)

Protein quantification and proteomic analysis (TMT)

[0190] For proteomics analysis the TMT-labeled relative quantification LC-MSMS method was used. Equal amounts of proteins (30 ug samples) were homogenized and extracted from each scaffold by a lysis buffer (M urea, 4% 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (w/v), 0.2% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (w/v), 5 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). For relative quantification, the proteins were trypsinized into peptides and further labeled with tandem mass tags (TMTs) with a unique tag for each sample and the reference. The peptides were fractionated by a strong cation exchange chromatography (SCX) and the separation for the mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio of the peptides (MS) the reversed-phase nanoLC interfaced QExactive was used followed by fragmentation (MS/MS) for peptide sequence information and relative quantification to an Orbitrap Tribrid Fusion MS instrument. Stepped HCD fragmentation (TMT) was used for the QMS analysis.

[0191] For each set the MS-raw data was merged during the search for protein identification and relative quantification using Proteome Discoverer database. Due to the isobaric chemical structure of the TMT tags, the peptides labeled with different tags was indistinguishable during chromatographic separations and in MS mode. Each tag contained a characteristic so-called reporter ion with a unique structure which is detectable upon fragmentation. The ratio of these reporter ion intensities in MS3 spectra was used for quantification. Only peptides unique for the specific protein were considered for quantification.

GSEA and related methods

[0192] To examine functional overlap among the genes that were differentially expressed in the scaffold environment and the proteins represented in the tumor scaffolds, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed with the GSEA online tool (http://software.broadinstitute.org/gsea/index.jsp) (Subramanian, A., Tamayo, P., Mootha, V. K., Mukherjee, S. & Ebert, B. L. Gene set enrichment analysis: A knowledge-based approach for interpreting genome-wide. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 102, 15545-15550 (2005), using Reactome pathways (Croft, D. et al. Reactome: A database of reactions, pathways and biological processes. Nucleic Acids Res. 39, (2011)) and a q-value cutoff of 0.05.

[0193] To investigate the protein interactions that could mediate the adaption of the MCF7 and MDA231 cells to the scaffold environment, a first order network connecting the scaffold proteins was extracted from the Human Protein Reference Database (Keshava Prasad, T. S. et al. Human Protein Reference Database - 2009 update. Nucleic Acids Res. 37, 767-772 (2009)) using the iRefR (Mora, A. & Donaldson, I. M. iRefR: an R package to manipulate the iReflndex consolidated protein interaction database. BMC Bioinformatics 12, 455 (2011)) R package. Unconnected nodes were removed to obtain the main network, encompassing 1276 proteins (nodes) and 6356 interactions (edges) in total.

[0194] Central nodes were determined by calculating the betweenness centrality (Freeman, L. C. A Set of Measures of Centrality Based on Betweenness. Sociometry 40, 35 (1977)) of each protein. Significance was then assessed by comparisons to an empirical null model generated by randomizing the edges of the network and successively recalculating betweenness centrality 10000 times. Nodes with q-value < 0.05 (Holm correction) were called significant.

[0195] Network modules were discovered using the "Walktrap" algorithm (Pons, P. & Latapy, M. Computing communities in large networks using random walks. Phys. Soc. arXiv:physics/0512106 (2005). doi:10.1007/11569596). To determine if the proteins within a given module were more densely connected than could be expected by chance, a Wilcoxon test was used to compare the degree distributions of nodes included and excluded from the module. Modules with a q-value less than 0.05 (Holm correction) were called significant. To further assess the overrepresentation of functional categories among genes within modules, the "enrichPathway" function of the ReactomePA (Yu, G. & He, Q.-Y. ReactomePA: an R/Bioconductor package for reactome pathway analysis and visualization. Mol. BioSyst. 12, 477-479 (2015) R package was used, specifying the full set proteins in the extracted network as background. Categories with q-value < 0.05 (Benjamini-Hochberg correction) were considered significant.

References

[0196] 

1. Thompson A, et al. Towards the development of a bioengineered uterus: Comparison of different protocols for rat uterus decellularization. Acta Bio Material 12, 5034-5042, (2014).

2. Ståhtberg, A. et al. RT-qPCR work-flow for single-cell data analysis. Methods. 59, 80-88 (2013).

3. Picelli, S. et al. Smart-seq2 for sensitive full-length transcriptome profiling in single cells. Nat. Methods 10, 1096-8 (2013).

4. Jiang, L. et al. Synthetic spike-in standards for RNA-seq experiments. Genome Res. 21, 1543-51 (2011).

5. Dobin, A. et al. STAR: ultrafast universal RNA-seq aligner. Bioinformatics 29, 15-21 (2013).

6. Harrow, J. et al. GENCODE: The reference human genome annotation for the ENCODE project. Genome Res. 22, 1760-1774 (2012).

7. Anders, S., Pyl, P. T. & Huber, W. HTSeq A Python framework to work with high-throughput sequencing data. bioRxiv (2014). doi:10.1101/002824

8. Love, M. I., Huber, W. & Anders, S. Moderated estimation of fold change and dispersion for RNA-seq data with DESeq2. Genome Biology (2014). doi: 10.1186/s13059-014-0550-8

9. Frances, L. Shaw et al.A Detailed Mammosphere Protocol for the Quantification of Breast Stem Cell Activity. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 17, 111-117 (2012)

Results

[0197] The rational for this project was to use the cell-free original breast cancer scaffolds as templates for breast cancer cells to infiltrate within thereby creating an in vivo like growth system that can be studied regarding tumor promoting features in relation to scaffold composition and clinical origin. Initially, the inventors tested a standardized decellurising protocol consisting of a prolonged mild detergent treatment potentially preserving the basic scaffold composition optimally as described in Material and Methods. The method was successfully adapted to breast cancer and scaffolds could reproducibly be produced from various breast cancer types by the prolonged detergent wash protocol (Figure 1). Scaffolds were indeed cell free, confirmed by extensive sectioning and microscopic visualization as well as by DNA analyses (data not shown).

[0198] The composition of the cell free scaffolds obtained from breast cancer samples was then delineated using mass spectrometry. 17 different scaffolds were submitted for mass spectrometry analyses using the Sahlgrenska Academy core facility in Gothenburg (details in Material and Methods). Since breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease in many aspects the inventors noted major clinic-pathological parameter as grade, proliferation, ER-positivity and HERs status in order to detect any differences in composition linked to clinical subgroups. In total 145 different proteins were detected in the various scaffolds including several expected proteins as various forms of collagen and keratin but also more unexpected proteins (Table H). When using partial component analyses (PCA) of the mass spectrometry identified scaffold proteins, two distinct clusters of scaffolds was observed (Figure 2) supporting that breast cancer can be subdivided into subgroups solely based on the composition of the cell-free scaffolds. A dynamic PCA identified the key proteins responsible for the main clustering as illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 4 and includes proteins as periostin and dermatopontin as well as various forms of collagen. Tumour grade and tumor proliferation measured by Ki67 further clustered together with one of the subgroups defined by for example FLNA and TBA1C (Figure 3) supporting that the unsupervised clustering identified a cluster that potentially was linked to tumour grade and tumour proliferation. When subdividing the scaffolds according to high tumour grade versus lower grade and performing a dynamic PCA (Figure 4) the inventors identified several proteins that effected the separation and many of these proteins were similar to the proteins identified in the unsupervised clustering of scaffolds. The unsupervised clustering was further partly overlapping with clustering based on the proteins associated with grade and proliferation as illustrated in Figure 4. Several proteins were significantly linked to these processes and periostin was for example inversely linked to tumour grade (r = -0.49) and tumour cell proliferation (Ki67, r = -0.44) whereas K6PL was positively associated to both grade (r=0.70) and Ki67 (r=0.63). Additional proteins were further identified by collating all proteins that were significantly linked to grade or proliferation in univariate analyses as presented in Figure 5 clearly separating the two types of scaffolds. All key proteins linked to the two subtypes of scaffolds overlapping with clinical aggressive features as tumour grade and proliferation are listed in Tables B-F.

[0199] Next, the inventors tested how various breast cancer cell lines could survive and potentially infiltrate as well as colonise the scaffolds. ER-negative cell lines as the MDA-231 grew massively infiltrative in the scaffolds and created an in vivo like tumour within three weeks (Figure 1). ER-positive breast cancer as MCF7 showed less infiltrative capacity but created nests of tumour cells within some parts of the scaffolds as well closer to the surface of the scaffolds (not shown). Cancer cells from all cell lines tested showed active proliferation and survival as well signs of various differentiation stages within the different patient scaffolds. MDA 231 cells lined up former vascular spaces with endothelial like cells and produced fibroblast like cells as well as varying more breast cancer like cells in different areas of the scaffolds (Figure1). Highly infiltrating cancer cells were commonly low proliferative as illustrated by Ki-67 staining on sectioned scaffolds infiltrated by MDA231 cells (figure 6). In summary, the inventors obtained reproducible cancer cell growth in all initially tested scaffolds (n=26) supporting the stability of the growth platform established.

[0200] In vivo growth of cancer is often characterized by lower proliferation in general compared to regular cell cultures and a potentially different composition of differentiated and cancer stem cell subpopulations. The inventors therefore wanted to detail the existence of subgroups of cancer cells growing in scaffolds with a specific focus on cancer stem cell and EMT properties. Interestingly, when analyzing several markers for cancer stem cells, pluripotency, EMT, differentiation and proliferation in sets of cancer cell lines grown in various scaffolds as well as under regular 2D conditions it was clear that scaffolds cultures had higher expression of cancer stem cell and pluripotency markers as SOX-2, NANOG and CD44. Proliferation and differentiation was in contrast lowered in the scaffold cultures compared to 2D growing cells (Figure 7). These results suggest that cell lines dedifferentiated towards more cancer stem cell and EMT features alternatively that these subgroups of cells selectively survived better when infiltrating and encountering the cancer scaffolds. To verify these data the inventors isolated cancer cells from three weeks of scaffolds cultures and performed various surrogate cancer stem cell assay on these cells and compared the results with the same cell line grown under regular 2D-conditions. The mammosphere assay is based on the principle that progenitor and cancer stem cells are anoikis resistant under non-adherent growth conditions and as illustrated in Figure 8, cells from scaffolds had significantly higher mammosphere fractions compared to 2D-cultures. MDA231 breast cancer cells from scaffolds and 2D growths were also injected subcutaneously in immunocompromised NOG-mice and the tumour take and xenograft growth was monitored. In support for increased cancer stem cell features in scaffolds the inventors also observed a significantly increased tumour take in mice when injecting scaffold cells in comparison to 2D grown cells (Figure 9). Finally, the inventors wanted to exactly monitor the composition of various subgroups of cancer cells using a single-cell PCR approach and 96 cells of 2D grown MCF7 cells as well as 96 cells from two independent scaffold cultures using the same cell line were single cell sorted by flow cytometry and sets of markers for cancer stem cell, pluripotency, differentiation, EMT and proliferation was measured on each cell using a qPCR approach. The results showed that 2D grown control cell mainly consisted of a large cluster of differentiated and highly proliferative cells whereas the two scaffolds had a significantly increase in the less proliferative and more stem cell defined clusters as indicated in Figure 10. These comprehensive data clearly support that scaffold growth will promote cancer stem cell features and low proliferative subpopulations lacking differentiation and was verified at the protein level by Western Blotting indicating an increased protein expression of sox2 protein in scaffold cultured breast cancer cells (Figure 11).

[0201] The kinetics of the changes in differentiation and proliferation was then studied in a cell-free scaffold divided into several separate pieces. Breast cancer MCF7 and MDA231 cells were grown on the pieces and samples were harvested day 1, 2, 3, 7, 14 and 21 and bulk qPCR analyses were performed using several markers for cancer stem cells, EMT, differentiation and proliferation as outlined above. The results clearly suggest that when cancer cells grow in scaffolds a highly coordinated and orchestrated series of events is initiated resulting in high stem cell and EMT features paralleled with low proliferation and drop of differentiation markers after three weeks of growth. Interestingly, waves of activation and inactivation could be observed during growth and at day one there was instant expression of cancer stem cell markers peaking early followed by an EMT peak at day three and proliferation peak at day seven after an initial drop as illustrated for MCF7 cells in figure 12. Differentiation markers declined during growth and there was a final settling after 2-3 weeks with high stem cell/EMT features and low proliferation/differentiation. The cancer stem cell changes were consistent between the two cell lines whereas proliferation dropped later in MDA231 cells whereas the, for this subtype of cancer, less relevant differentiation markers, did not change during growth (data not shown). The immediate increase in cancer stem cell features of MCF7 cells grown on scaffolds suggest that cells initiate a dedifferentiation process which will end up in a larger fraction of cancer stem cells after several weeks of scaffolds growth.

[0202] Since there is huge need for relevant in vivo like growth model systems for cancer studies and drug screening protocols that could replace animal experiments the inventors next wanted to delineate similarities and differences between 2D cultures, scaffold cultures and xenografts samples using next generation sequencing (NGS) covering genome wide transcription. As illustrated in Figure 13, plotting a selection of genes associated with cancer stem cells and EMT features, there was indeed an increased expression of the majority of the plotted genes validating the earlier described change in cancer stem cells in scaffold cultures. PCA illustrations of the NGS data are presented in Figure 14 and scaffold cultures clustered close to xenograft cultures and separate from 2D cultures. The two cell lines separated in PC1 as expected but the relation between 2D, scaffold and xenograft cultures were similar for the two cell lines verifying that scaffold and xenografts were similar. The overlap and relation between the transcriptional changes as well as effected processes for the various growth processes are illustrated in Figures 15, 16 and 17 supporting similarities as well as some differences between scaffold and xenograft cultures. Typical processes upregulated in 2D growth conditions were related to cell cycle and proliferation control whereas scaffolds were enriched for immune systems, collagen formation and ECM organization. When comparing scaffolds with xenografts there was a more pronounced upregulation of extracellular matrix organization, PDGF signaling in the xenografts whereas ILS and TCR signaling was upregulated in scaffolds to mention a few.

[0203] Since the inventors had detailed NGS data from cancer cells growing in scaffolds as well as information about the protein composition of the scaffolds and some obvious clusters as presented above they next wanted to identify potential links between the protein scaffold data and expression differences in scaffolds compared to 2D using a combined bioinformatics approach. Initial gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) indicated large overlaps between the pathways/reactomes enriched for among scaffold proteins as well as the upregulated genes in the MCF7 and MDA231 cells. Of the top 10 most significant reactomes in MCF7 cells, five were also among the top 10 in the scaffold protein. For MDA 231, four out of ten were among this list clearly supporting functional links between the identified scaffold proteins and regulated genes in cancer cells growing in the scaffolds as summarized in Figure 18 for the top hundred reactomes. When extending the pathway analyses of potential interactions for the identified proteins in the scaffold including one additional protein level interaction for each protein, three significant modules with overrepresented and associated processes were identified. These modules were defined from the protein data and NGS data from MCF7 and MDA231 cells were then added, with links and key proteins and genes being identified in the combined bioinformatics analyses. Module one represented "signaling" and consisted of; signal transduction, signaling by SCF-KIT, downstream signal transduction and signaling by VEGF, VEGFA-VEGFR2. Module 2 was "repair and stress" related and consisted of DNA Repair, Cellular responses to stress, Cytosolic sensors of pathogen-associated DNA, Generic Transcription Pathway and SUMOylation. Module 3 was "DNA-replication" and included Synthesis of DNA, DNA Replication, M/G1 Transition and DNA Replication Pre-Initiation. The key proteins in the scaffold responsible for the most central processes as well as the separate modules are presented in Table G. Proteins and associated genes in the two cell lines defined as representative for the central processes and nodes thereby potentially highlighting key regulatory proteins and genes initiating and mediating the observed changes in cancer stem cell and EMT features are also listed in Table G.

[0204] It is clear that scaffolds in general will promote cancer stem cell and EMT features as presented above but the question remains if there is varying capacities in different scaffolds and if this potential difference is linked to a certain clinical behaviours or clinical subgroups. To test this hypothesis the inventors analysed a series of 20 scaffolds for bulk-PCR expression data for four different breast cancer cell lines grown three weeks on the scaffold. The PCR analyses included the same sets of markers for stem cells, differentiation, EMT and proliferation as used earlier and the inventors now wanted to compare the various scaffolds with regards to PCR changes in the "reporter" cell line grown on the scaffolds with the general aim to identify subgroups of scaffolds having more or less stem cell promoting capacities primarily. The data for T47D cells is illustrated in Figure 19 and the scaffolds clearly separated in PC1 and PC2 whereas the loading genes clustered in cancer stem cell and EMT associated genes on one side and proliferation and differentiation linked genes on the opposite side. Similar findings were observed with the other cell lines tested supporting that the capacity for different scaffolds to induce cancer stem cell features vary (data not shown). These results lead to a model where the inventors hypothesise that the patient scaffold can influence various processes associated with tumour progression as illustrated in Figure 20 and that this can be used as a test of the malignancy grade of that specific patient scaffold. Since the first set of 20 scaffolds were obtained directly from surgery with very limited follow-up time as well as material size the inventors could not investigate if the ability to induce cancer stem cell and EMT features for the scaffolds were linked to aggressiveness and cancer recurrences using this material. The inventors therefore extended the studies and analysed biobanked and frozen breast cancer samples with available longer follow-up data. Frozen samples could indeed be thawed and decellurised with the defined protocol producing scaffolds that could be used to grow cells with comparable PCR changes in the reporter cell line as freshly handled samples and scaffolds (data not shown). The inventors therefore identified a material of 46 frozen ductal breast cancer samples with available information about disease recurrences (median clinical follow-up time of 29 months, range 94 months). Scaffolds were prepared from the earlier frozen samples and MCF7 cells were grown on the scaffolds for three weeks before qPCR analyses of genes representing key processes representative for subgroups of cells present in MCF7 cells were performed. Some of the analysed genes (CCNB2, EPCAM, POU5S1) did not pass the quality demands and were not included in the following analyses. As illustrated in Figure 21 including several 2D controls and 46 scaffold samples, all 2D control were separated from the scaffolds whereas scaffolds samples spread in PCA1 and PCA2 indicating that the scaffolds possessed varying "difference" from the 2D growth samples. When investigating how different genes effected the PCA analyses, four clear clusters could be observed consisting of 1) Sox2 and CD44, 2) SLUG and VIMENTIN, 3) CCNA2 and Ki67 and 4) ESR1 and ERBB2. When only analyzing the scaffold samples without the 2D controls the inventors obtained similar clustering and effects of genes and scaffold samples spread in PC1 and PC2 as illustrated in Figure 22. Breast cancer recurrences are further indicated in the PC plot and there was a clear overrepresentation of recurrences in the part of PC plot affected by SLUG and VIMENTIN. There were further recurrences in the opposite and extreme direction affected by differentiation and proliferation. When analyzing breast cancer recurrences in relation to qPCR changes in MCF7 cells using Kaplan Meier plots and log rank analyses, SLUG and VIMENTIN expression changes were also significantly linked to recurrences using univariate analyses (p=0.02 and p=0.007 respectively) as illustrated in Figure 23 and 24. VIMENTIN was further independently linked to disease recurrences (p=0.03) in a multi variate analyses including tumour grade, size, lymph-node metastases and ER (Figure 24 indeed supporting that the information obtained from the scaffolds is highly important in relation to conventional prognostic parameters.

[0205] These data suggest that it is mainly the EMT promoting effect of a scaffold that is linked to breast cancer recurrences whereas more proliferation or pure cancer stem cell promoting effects were not significantly linked to recurrences in this rather limited tumor set only including ductal breast cancer. The data indeed highlight that measurements of changes in a cell line grown in the scaffold can reveal important and novel information about the malignancy and also support that the environment and the scaffold will influence tumour promoting features that can be measured in the developed growth platform and assay. Also when analyzing the data with a PCA-approach and indicating scaffolds associated with breast cancer recurrences as illustrated in Figure 22 it is clear that the disease recurrences are not evenly distributed in the scatter but is overrepresented in the direction mostly affected by VIMENTIN and SLUG expression.

Summary

[0206] Cancer cells are surrounded and actively interact with the microenvironment at the primary site of growth as well as metastatic niches. Key components in the cancer environment have been linked to various aggressive cancer features and can further influence the essential subpopulation of cancer stem cells most likely governing malignant properties and treatment resistance. In order to identify and specifically enumerate the influence of a specific cancer microenvironment the inventors have developed and characterized a novel cell culture platform using cell free scaffolds from primary breast cancer samples infiltrated with breast cancer cells. This in vivo like growth system induced a series of orchestrated changes in differentiation, EMT and proliferation of the cancer population with a final remarkable cancer stem cell expansion as defined by several surrogate assays and functional tests. Scaffold cultures were further more similar to xenograft cultures compared to regular 2D cultures as illustrated by NGS-analyses supporting an in vivo like growth in the scaffolds.

[0207] Despite a general promotion of cancer stem cell features in scaffolds, the ability varied and some scaffolds induced more EMT features whereas others preserved a differentiated and proliferative phenotype of cancer cells. Mass spectrometry analyses of cell-free scaffolds further identified subgroups of scaffolds based on the protein composition that also mirrored clinical properties such as tumour grade, supporting scaffold based micro environmental heterogeneity.

[0208] By combining the mass spectrometry data with NGS analyses identifying transcriptional changes in the cancer cells, the inventors could identify central processes and over represented modules both regarding proteins in the scaffold as well as key regulatory events in the cancer cell lines further supporting the existence of subgroups of scaffolds.

[0209] A theoretically important read-out of the scaffold platform is the varying ability for the scaffold to induce specific changes in cancer cells and the potential link to clinical behaviours and properties and this was studied in a material of 47 earlier frozen breast cancer samples with available clinical follow-up. Interestingly, EMT induced changes as represented by an increase of SLUG or Vimentin in the breast cancer cell line MCF7 growing in the scaffolds, was significantly linked to breast cancer recurrences and aggressive properties of the donor breast cancer (Vimentin, p=0.03, multivariate analyses).

[0210] The developed scaffold model system has the potential to optimally mimic in vivo like growth conditions revealing hidden and highly relevant clinical information about the malignancy inducing property of the specific scaffold earlier surrounding and indeed influencing cancer progressing properties.

Tables A-H

[0211] 

Table A - Tumour Progression Marker Genes

Accession/Version Numbers are with respect to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database as at 1 November 2016.
	Marker Gene Name	Accession Number	Version Number
Proliferation Markers
	CCNB2	NM_004701	NM_004701.3
	CCNA2	NM_001237	NM_001237.4
	CDKN1A	NM_000389	NM_000389.4
	CDKN2A	NM_000077	NM_000077.4
	MKi67	NM_001145966	NM_001145966.1
	CDK4	NM_000075	NM_000075.3
	CDK6	NM_001145306	NM_001145306.1
Differentiation Markers
	EPCAM	NM_002354	NM_002354.2
	PGR	NM_000926	NM_000926.4
	ESR1	NM_000125	NM_000125.3
	CD24	NM_013230	NM_013230.3
	CDH1	NM_001317184	NM_001317184.1
	ERBB2	NM_001005862	NM_001005862.2
Cancer stem cell/pluripotency Markers
	POU5F1	NM_002701	NM_002701.5
	NANOG	NM_024865	NM_024865.3
	SOX2	NM_003106	NM_003106.3
	FOSL1	NM_005438	NM_005438.4
	TGFB1	NM_000660	NM_000660.6
	CD44	NM_000610	NM_000610.3
	ALDH1A1	NM_000689	NM_000689.4
	ALDH1A3	NM_000693	NM_000693.3
	ABCG2	NM_004827	NM_004827.2
EMT Markers
	SNAIL1	NM_005985	NM_005985.3
	TWIST1	NM_000474	NM_000474.3
	SNAIL2	NM_003068	NM_003068.4
	VIM	NM_003380	NM_003380.3
	CDH2	NM_001792	NM_001792.4

Tables B-F - Key proteins identified in the scaffolds linked to subtypes of scaffolds, grade and key processes

[0212] The Tables list proteins identified by dynamic PCA of mass spectrometry data identifying Cluster 1 and Cluster 2, as well as proteins significantly linked to tumour grade or tumour proliferation (Ki67). Directions of associations are shown within brackets. There is overlap between PCA Cluster 2 and high grade/proliferation. Accession/Version Numbers are with respect to SwissProt_2015_04_verINS.fasta Version: 2.3, as at 29 October 2016.

Table B

	Protein Name	Accession Number	Database Version Number
PCA Cluster 1
	POSTN	Q15063	Q15063.2
	ANXA5	P08758	P08758.2
	PRELP	P51888	P08758.2
	MYO1C	O00159	O00159.4
	CD47	Q08722	Q08722.1
	FBLN2	P98095	P98095.2
	SNG2	O43760	O43760.1
	DERM	P35908	P35908.2
	IGHA1	P01876	P01876.2
	ITIH1	P19827	P19827.3
	SC22B	O75396	O75396.4
	SAMP	P02743	P02743.2
	LUM	P51884	P51884.2
	PGS1	P21810	P21810.2
	COL6A2	P12110	P12110.4
	COL6A3	P12111	P12111.5
	COL6A1	P12109	P12109.3
	ALBU	P02768	P02768.2
	TM109	Q9BVC6	Q9BVC6.1
	K22E	P35908	P35908.2
PCA Cluster 2	ENPL	P14625	P14625.1
	CH60	P10809	P10809.2
	CKAP4	Q07065	Q07065.2
	HS90A	P07900	P07900.5
	ENOA	P06733	P06733.2
	HS90B	P08238	P08238.4
	G3P	P04406	P04406.3
	K6PL	P17858	P17858.6
	HSP7C	P11142	P11142.1
	IF4A1	P60842	P60842.1
	TBA1C	Q9BQE3	Q9BQE3.1
	HNRPQ	O60506	O60506.2
	DX39B	Q13838	Q13838.1
	HNRPF	P52597	P52597.3
	EF1A1	P68104	P68104.1
	TBB5	P07437	P07437.2
	HSPB1	P04792	P04792.2
	FLNA	P21333	P21333.4
	LMAN1	P49257	P49257.2
	MYH9	P35579	P35579.4
	ACTB	P60709	P60709.1
	TBB5	P07437	P07437.2
	RS3	P23396	P23396.2

Table C - Proteins significantly linked to high proliferation (p=0.01-0.05)

Protein Name	Positive or negative association	Accession Number	Version Number
K6PL	+	P17858	P17858.6
HS90A	+	P07900	P07900.5
IF4A1	+	P60842	P60842.1
PGS1	-	P21810	P21810.2
ENOA	+	P06733	P06733.2
PRELP	-	P51888	P51888.1
SNG2	-	O43760	O43760.1
CH60	+	P10809	P10809.2
LUM	-	P16615	P16615.1
HS90B	+	P08238	P08238.4

Table D - Proteins most significantly linked to high proliferation (p<0.01)

Protein Name	Positive or negative association	Accession Number	Version Number
K6PL	+	P17858	P17858.6
HS90A	+	P07900	P07900.5
IF4A1	+	P60842	P60842.1

Table E - Proteins significantly linked to high grade (p=0.01-0.05)

Protein Name	Positive or negative association	Accession Number	Version Number
HS90A	+	P07900	P07900.5
ENOA	+	P06733	P06733.2
HS90B	+	P08238	P08238.4
IF4A1	+	P60842	P60842.1
K6PL	+	P17858	P17858.6
PRELP	-	P51888	P51888.1
SNG2	-	O43760	O43760.1
CD47	-	Q08722	Q08722.1
PGS1	-	P21810	P21810.2
CH60	+	P10809	P10809.2
TBA1C	+	Q9BQE3	Q9BQE3.1
HSP7C	+	P11142	P11142.1

Table F - Proteins most significantly linked to high grade (p<0.01)

Protein Name	Positive or negative association	Accession Number	Version Number
HSP90A	+	P07900	P07900.5
ENOA	+	P06733	P06733.2
HS90B	+	P08238	P08238.4
IF4A1	+	P60842	P60842.1
K6PL	+	P17858	P17858.6
PRELP	-	P51888	P51888.1
SNG2	-	O43760	O43760.1

Table G - List of proteins and linked up- or down-regulated genes from NGS-data in MCF7 and MDA231 cells, in the three different modules identified by GSEA-analyses. A summary of the most central genes of interest and the linked scaffold proteins is further listed.

[0213] Gene Accession/Version Numbers are with respect to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database as at 2 November 2016. Protein Accession/Version Numbers are with respect to SwissProt_2015_04_verINS.fasta Version: 2.3, as at 29 October 2016.

Claims

1. A method for determining one or more tumour properties in a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

- seeding a cell-free scaffold obtained from the tumour (the source tumour) with cancer cells;

- culturing the cancer cells in the scaffold;

- assaying the cultured cancer cells for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells; and

- determining one or more tumour properties based on the results of the assay;

wherein the cancer cells are not cancer cells taken from the source tumour in the subject.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the tumour is a breast cancer tumour.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the one or more tumour properties are selected from invasiveness, migration, tumour malignancy grade, tumour malignancy potential, tumour recurrence, resistance to treatment, tumour proliferation and likely response to treatment.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the one or more tumour properties are selected from resistance to treatment and likely response to treatment.

5. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein gene expression data obtained in the assay is compared with a standard or reference.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims which comprises applying a treatment to the cell-free scaffold comprising the cultured cells and assessing the effect on the outcome of the assay.

7. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the one or more genes are:

(a) one or more markers of tumour progression;

(b) one or more markers of tumour progression selected from markers of proliferation, markers of differentiation, markers of cancer stem cells, and markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), optionally wherein at least one of the one or more markers is selected from:

(i) the markers listed in Table A;

(ii) CD44v2, SOX2, SNAIL2(SLUG), VIM, ESR1, ERBB2(HER2), MiK67 and CCNA2; or

(iii) SNAIL2(SLUG) and VIM, and wherein the one more tumour progressive properties comprise tumour recurrence.

8. A method according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the one or more genes are selected from:

(a) Table G; or

(b) the "Highly Central" list of genes in Table G.

9. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the cancer cells are:

(a) breast cancer cells; or

(b) breast cancer cells selected from MCF7, MDA231 and T47D cells.

10. A method for determining a suitable treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

- determining one or more tumour properties in the subject by a method according to any of claims 1 to 9; and

- determining a suitable treatment based on the tumour properties of the tumour.

11. A method for determining or monitoring efficacy of a treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

(a):

- seeding a cell-free scaffold, obtained from the tumour (the source tumour) before the treatment has been provided to the subject, with cancer cells;

- culturing the cancer cells in the scaffold; and

- assaying the cultured cancer cells for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells;

(b):

- seeding a cell-free scaffold, obtained from the tumour (the source tumour) after the treatment has been provided to the subject, with cancer cells;

- culturing the cancer cells in the scaffold;

- assaying the cultured cancer cells for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells;

and

(c) comparing the results of the assays in (a) and (b);

wherein the cancer cells in (a) and (b) are not cancer cells taken from the source tumour in the subject;

optionally wherein the one or more genes are one or more markers of tumour progression or are selected from Table G.

12. A method for determining likely efficacy of a treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

(a)

- seeding a cell-free scaffold obtained from the tumour (the source tumour) with cancer cells;

- culturing the cancer cells in the scaffold;

- assaying the cultured cancer cells for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or genes in the cells;

(b) applying the treatment to the scaffold comprising the cancer cells;

(c) assaying the cultured cancer cells after the treatment has been applied, for the presence of target molecules indicative of the expression of one or more genes in the cells;
and

(d) comparing the results of the assays in (a) and (c);

wherein the cancer cells in (a)-(c) are not cancer cells taken from the source tumour in the subject;

optionally wherein the one or more genes are one or more markers of tumour progression or are selected from Table G.

13. A method for determining one or more tumour properties in a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

- assaying a scaffold obtained from the tumour for one or more proteins selected from any one or more of Tables C-F; and

- determining one or more tumour properties in the subject based on the results of the assay;

wherein the one or more tumour properties are selected from tumour malignancy grade and tumour proliferation; and

wherein the scaffold is cell-free scaffold and the tumour is a breast cancer tumour.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the one or more proteins are:

(a) selected from Table C;

(b) selected from Table D;

(c) selected from Table E; or

(d) selected from Table F.

15. A method for determining a suitable treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

- determining one or more tumour properties in the subject by a method according to claim 13 or 14; and

- determining a suitable treatment based on the tumour properties of the tumour.

16. A method for determining or monitoring efficacy of a treatment for a human subject with a tumour, the method comprising:

- assaying a scaffold, obtained from the tumour before the treatment has been provided to the subject, for one or more proteins selected from any one or more of Tables C-F;

- assaying a scaffold, obtained from the tumour after the treatment has been provided to the subject, for one or more proteins selected from any one or more of Tables C-F; and

- comparing the results of the assay carried out before the treatment with the results of the assay carried out after the treatment;

wherein the scaffold is a cell-free scaffold and the tumour is a breast cancer tumour.

17. A cancer treatment for use in treating a human subject with a tumour, wherein said cancer treatment has been determined as suitable for or effective in the subject by a method according to any of claims 10 to 12 or 15 to 16.

Ansprüche

1. Verfahren zum Bestimmen von einer oder mehreren Tumoreigenschaften bei einem menschlichen Subjekt mit einem Tumor, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:

- Besiedeln eines zellfreien Gerüsts, das von dem Tumor (dem Quelltumor) erhalten wird, mit Krebszellen;

- Kultivieren der Krebszellen in dem Gerüst;

- Testen der kultivierten Krebszellen auf das Vorhandensein von Zielmolekülen, welche die Expression von einem oder mehreren Genen in den Zellen angeben; und

- Bestimmen von einer oder mehreren Tumoreigenschaften basierend auf den Ergebnissen des Assays,

wobei die Krebszellen keine Krebszellen sind, die von dem Quelltumor in dem Subjekt entnommen werden.

2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Tumor ein Brustkrebstumor ist.

3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die eine oder mehreren Tumoreigenschaften ausgewählt sind aus Invasivität, Migration, Tumormalignitätsgrad, Tumormalignitätspotential, Tumorrezidiv, Behandlungsresistenz, Tumorproliferation und wahrscheinlichem Ansprechen auf Behandlung.

4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, wobei die eine oder mehreren Tumoreigenschaften ausgewählt sind aus Behandlungsresistenz und wahrscheinlichem Ansprechen auf Behandlung.

5. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei Genexpressionsdaten, die in dem Assay erhalten werden, mit einem Standard oder einer Referenz verglichen werden.

6. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, das Anwenden einer Behandlung auf das zellfreie Gerüst, das die kultivierten Zellen umfasst, und Bewerten der Wirkung auf das Ergebnis des Assays umfasst.

7. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das eine oder die mehreren Gene wie folgt sind:

(a) ein oder mehrere Marker von Tumorprogression;

(b) ein oder mehrere Marker von Tumorprogression ausgewählt aus Markern von Proliferation, Markern von Differenzierung, Markern von Krebsstammzellen und Markern von epithelial-mesenchymaler Transition (EMT), wobei optional zumindest einer von dem einen oder den mehreren Marker ausgewählt ist aus:

(i) den Markern, die in Tabelle A aufgelistet sind,

(ii) CD44v2, SOX2, SNAIL2(SLUG), VIM, ESR1, ERBB2(HER2), MiK67 und CCNA2; oder

(iii) SNAIL2(SLUG) und VIM, und wobei die eine weitere tumorprogressiven Eigenschaften Tumorrezidiv umfassen.

8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei das eine oder die mehreren Gene ausgewählt sind aus:

(a) Tabelle G; oder

(b) der Liste "Highly Central" von Genen in Tabelle G.

9. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Krebszellen wie folgt sind:

(a) Brustkrebszellen; oder

(b) Brustkrebszellen ausgewählt aus MCF7-, MDA231- und T47D-Zellen.

10. Verfahren zum Bestimmen einer geeigneten Behandlung für ein menschliches Subjekt mit einem Tumor, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:

- Bestimmen von einer oder mehreren Tumoreigenschaften bei dem Subjekt durch ein Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9; und

- Bestimmen einer geeigneten Behandlung basierend auf den Tumoreigenschaften des Tumors.

11. Verfahren zum Bestimmen oder Überwachen der Wirksamkeit einer Behandlung für ein menschliches Subjekt mit einem Tumor, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:

(a):

- Besiedeln eines zellfreien Gerüsts, das von dem Tumor (dem Quelltumor) erhalten wird, bevor die Behandlung dem Subjekt bereitgestellt worden ist, mit Krebszellen;

- Kultivieren der Krebszellen in dem Gerüst; und

- Testen der kultivierten Krebszellen auf das Vorhandensein von Zielmolekülen, welche die Expression von einem oder mehreren Genen in den Zellen angeben;

(b):

- Besiedeln eines zellfreien Gerüsts, das von dem Tumor (dem Quelltumor) erhalten wird, nachdem die Behandlung dem Subjekt bereitgestellt worden ist, mit Krebszellen;

- Kultivieren der Krebszellen in dem Gerüst;

- Testen der kultivierten Krebszellen auf das Vorhandensein von Zielmolekülen, welche die Expression von einem oder mehreren Genen in den Zellen angeben;

und

(c) Vergleichen der Ergebnisse der Assays in (a) und (b);

wobei die Krebszellen in (a) und (b) keine Krebszellen sind, die von dem Quelltumor in dem Subjekt entnommen werden;

wobei optional das eine oder die mehreren Gene ein oder mehrere Marker von Tumorprogression sind oder aus Tabelle G ausgewählt sind.

12. Verfahren zum Bestimmen der wahrscheinlichen Wirksamkeit einer Behandlung für ein menschliches Subjekt mit einem Tumor, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:

(a)

- Besiedeln eines zellfreien Gerüsts, das von dem Tumor (dem Quelltumor) erhalten wird, mit Krebszellen;

- Kultivieren der Krebszellen in dem Gerüst;

- Testen der kultivierten Krebszellen auf das Vorhandensein von Zielmolekülen, welche die Expression von einem oder mehreren Genen in den Zellen angeben;

(b) Anwenden der Behandlung auf das Gerüst, das die Krebszellen umfasst,

(c) Testen der kultivierten Krebszellen, nachdem die Behandlung angewendet worden ist, auf das Vorhandensein von Zielmolekülen, welche die Expression von einem oder mehreren Genen in den Zellen angeben;
und

(d) Vergleichen der Ergebnisse der Assays in (a) und (c);

wobei die Krebszellen in (a)-(c) keine Krebszellen sind, die von dem Quelltumor in dem Subjekt entnommen werden;

wobei optional das eine oder die mehreren Gene ein oder mehrere Marker von Tumorprogression sind oder aus Tabelle G ausgewählt sind.

13. Verfahren zum Bestimmen von einer oder mehreren Tumoreigenschaften bei einem menschlichen Subjekt mit einem Tumor, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:

- Testen eines Gerüsts, das von dem Tumor erhalten wird, auf ein oder mehrere Proteine ausgewählt aus einer beliebigen oder mehreren von Tabelle C-F; und

- Bestimmen von einer oder mehreren Tumoreigenschaften in dem Subjekt basierend auf den Ergebnissen des Assays,

wobei die eine oder mehreren Tumoreigenschaften aus Tumormalignitätsgrad und Tumorproliferation ausgewählt sind, und

wobei das Gerüst zellfreies Gerüst ist und der Tumor ein Brustkrebstumor ist.

14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, wobei das eine oder die mehreren Proteine wie folgt sind:

(a) ausgewählt aus Tabelle C;

(b) ausgewählt aus Tabelle D;

(c) ausgewählt aus Tabelle E; oder

(d) ausgewählt aus Tabelle F.

15. Verfahren zum Bestimmen einer geeigneten Behandlung für ein menschliches Subjekt mit einem Tumor, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:

- Bestimmen von einer oder mehreren Tumoreigenschaften in dem Subjekt durch ein Verfahren nach Anspruch 13 oder 14; und

- Bestimmen einer geeigneten Behandlung basierend auf den Tumoreigenschaften des Tumors.

16. Verfahren zum Bestimmen oder Überwachen der Wirksamkeit einer Behandlung für ein menschliches Subjekt mit einem Tumor, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:

- Testen eines Gerüsts, das von dem Tumor erhalten wird, bevor die Behandlung dem Subjekt bereitgestellt worden ist, auf ein oder mehrere Proteine ausgewählt aus einer beliebigen oder mehreren von Tabelle C-F;

- Testen eines Gerüsts, das von dem Tumor erhalten wird, nachdem die Behandlung dem Subjekt bereitgestellt worden ist, auf ein oder mehrere Proteine ausgewählt aus einer beliebigen oder mehreren von Tabelle C-F; und

- Vergleichen der Ergebnisse des Assays, der vor der Behandlung durchgeführt wird, mit den Ergebnissen des Assays, der nach der Behandlung durchgeführt wird,

wobei das Gerüst ein zellfreies Gerüst ist und der Tumor ein Brustkrebstumor ist.

17. Krebsbehandlung zur Verwendung beim Behandeln eines menschlichen Subjekts mit einem Tumor, wobei die Krebsbehandlung durch ein Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 12 oder 15 bis 16 als geeignet für oder wirksam bei dem Subjekt bestimmt worden ist.

Revendications

1. Méthode permettant de déterminer une ou plusieurs propriétés tumorales chez un sujet humain atteint d'une tumeur, la méthode comprenant :

- l'ensemencement d'un échafaudage acellulaire obtenu à partir de la tumeur (la tumeur source) avec des cellules cancéreuses ;

- la culture des cellules cancéreuses dans l'échafaudage ;

- l'analyse des cellules cancéreuses cultivées pour déterminer la présence de molécules cibles indiquant l'expression d'un ou plusieurs gènes dans les cellules ; et

- la détermination d'une ou plusieurs propriétés tumorales sur la base des résultats de l'analyse ;

lesdites cellules cancéreuses n'étant pas des cellules cancéreuses prélevées sur la tumeur source chez le sujet.

2. Méthode selon la revendication 1, ladite tumeur étant une tumeur de cancer du sein.

3. Méthode selon la revendication 1 ou 2, lesdites une ou plusieurs propriétés tumorales étant choisies parmi l'invasivité, la migration, le degré de malignité tumorale, le potentiel de malignité tumorale, la récurrence tumorale, la résistance au traitement, la prolifération tumorale et la réponse probable au traitement.

4. Méthode selon la revendication 3, lesdites une ou plusieurs propriétés tumorales étant choisies parmi la résistance au traitement et la réponse probable au traitement.

5. Méthode selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, les données d'expression génique obtenues dans l'analyse étant comparées à un étalon ou à une référence.

6. Méthode selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, qui comprend l'application d'un traitement à l'échafaudage acellulaire comprenant les cellules cultivées et l'évaluation de l'effet sur le résultat de l'analyse.

7. Méthode selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, lesdits un ou plusieurs gènes étant :

(a) un ou plusieurs marqueurs de progression tumorale ;

(b) un ou plusieurs marqueurs de progression tumorale choisis parmi des marqueurs de prolifération, des marqueurs de différenciation, des marqueurs de cellules souches cancéreuses et des marqueurs de transition épithélio-mésenchymateuse (TEM), éventuellement au moins l'un desdits un ou plusieurs marqueurs étant choisi parmi :

(i) les marqueurs énumérés dans le tableau A ;

(ii) CD44v2, SOX2, SNAIL2(SLUG), VIM, ESR1, ERBB2(HER2), MiK67 et CCNA2 ; ou

(iii) SNAIL2(SLUG) et VIM, et lesdites une ou plusieurs propriétés de progression tumorale comprenant la récurrence tumorale.

8. Méthode selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, lesdits un ou plusieurs gènes étant choisis parmi :

(a) le tableau G ; ou

(b) la liste des gènes « hautement centraux » du tableau G.

9. Méthode selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, lesdites cellules cancéreuses étant :

(a) des cellules cancéreuses du sein ; ou

(b) des cellules cancéreuses du sein choisies parmi les cellules MCF7, MDA231 et T47D.

10. Méthode permettant de déterminer un traitement approprié pour un sujet humain atteint d'une tumeur, la méthode comprenant :

- la détermination d'une ou plusieurs propriétés tumorales chez le sujet par une méthode selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9 ; et

- la détermination d'un traitement approprié sur la base des propriétés tumorales de la tumeur.

11. Méthode permettant de déterminer ou surveiller l'efficacité d'un traitement pour un sujet humain atteint d'une tumeur, la méthode comprenant :

(a) :

- l'ensemencement d'un échafaudage acellulaire, obtenu à partir de la tumeur (la tumeur source) avant l'administration du traitement au sujet, avec des cellules cancéreuses ;

- la culture des cellules cancéreuses dans l'échafaudage ; et

- l'analyse des cellules cancéreuses cultivées pour déterminer la présence de molécules cibles indiquant l'expression d'un ou plusieurs gènes dans les cellules ;

(b) :

- l'ensemencement d'un échafaudage acellulaire, obtenu à partir de la tumeur (la tumeur source) après l'administration du traitement au sujet, avec des cellules cancéreuses ;

- la culture des cellules cancéreuses dans l'échafaudage ;

- l'analyse des cellules cancéreuses cultivées pour déterminer la présence de molécules cibles indiquant l'expression d'un ou plusieurs gènes dans les cellules ;

et

(c) la comparaison des résultats des analyses en (a) et (b) ;

lesdites cellules cancéreuses en (a) et (b) n'étant pas des cellules cancéreuses prélevées sur la tumeur source chez le sujet ;

éventuellement lesdits un ou plusieurs gènes étant un ou plusieurs marqueurs de progression tumorale ou étant choisis dans le tableau G.

12. Méthode permettant de déterminer l'efficacité probable d'un traitement pour un sujet humain atteint d'une tumeur, la méthode comprenant :

(a)

- l'ensemencement d'un échafaudage acellulaire obtenu à partir de la tumeur (la tumeur source) avec des cellules cancéreuses ;

- la culture des cellules cancéreuses dans l'échafaudage ;

- l'analyse des cellules cancéreuses cultivées pour déterminer la présence de molécules cibles indiquant l'expression d'un ou de gènes dans les cellules ;

(b) l'application du traitement à l'échafaudage comprenant les cellules cancéreuses ;

(c) l'analyse des cellules cancéreuses cultivées après l'application du traitement, pour déterminer la présence de molécules cibles indiquant l'expression d'un ou plusieurs gènes dans les cellules ;
et

(d) la comparaison des résultats des analyses en (a) et (c) ;

lesdites cellules cancéreuses en (a)-(c) n'étant pas des cellules cancéreuses prélevées sur la tumeur source chez le sujet ;

éventuellement lesdits un ou plusieurs gènes étant un ou plusieurs marqueurs de progression tumorale ou étant choisis dans le tableau G.

13. Méthode permettant de déterminer une ou plusieurs propriétés tumorales chez un sujet humain atteint d'une tumeur, la méthode comprenant :

- l'analyse d'un échafaudage obtenu à partir de la tumeur pour une ou plusieurs protéines choisies dans l'un quelconque ou plusieurs des tableaux C-F ; et

- la détermination d'une ou plusieurs propriétés tumorales chez le sujet sur la base des résultats de l'analyse ;

lesdites une ou plusieurs propriétés tumorales étant choisies parmi le degré de malignité tumorale et la prolifération tumorale ; et

ledit échafaudage étant un échafaudage acellulaire et ladite tumeur étant une tumeur de cancer du sein.

14. Méthode selon la revendication 13, lesdites une ou plusieurs protéines étant :

(a) choisies dans le tableau C ;

(b) choisies dans le tableau D ;

(c) choisies dans le tableau E ; ou

(d) choisies dans le tableau F.

15. Méthode permettant de déterminer un traitement approprié pour un sujet humain atteint d'une tumeur, la méthode comprenant :

- la détermination d'une ou plusieurs propriétés tumorales chez le sujet par une méthode selon la revendication 13 ou 14 ; et

- la détermination d'un traitement approprié sur la base des propriétés tumorales de la tumeur.

16. Méthode permettant de déterminer ou surveiller l'efficacité d'un traitement pour un sujet humain atteint d'une tumeur, la méthode comprenant :

- l'analyse d'un échafaudage, obtenu à partir de la tumeur avant l'administration d'un traitement au sujet, pour une ou plusieurs protéines choisies dans l'un quelconque ou plusieurs des tableaux C-F ;

- l'analyse d'un échafaudage, obtenu à partir de la tumeur après l'administration du traitement au sujet, pour une ou plusieurs protéines choisies dans l'un quelconque ou plusieurs des tableaux C-F ; et

- la comparaison des résultats de l'analyse effectuée avant le traitement aux résultats de l'analyse effectuée après le traitement ;

ledit échafaudage étant un échafaudage acellulaire et ladite tumeur étant une tumeur de cancer du sein.

17. Traitement anticancéreux destiné à être utilisé dans le traitement d'un sujet humain atteint d'une tumeur, ledit traitement anticancéreux ayant été déterminé comme étant adapté au sujet ou efficace chez celui-ci par une méthode selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 12 ou 15 à 16.

Drawing