UZA Lunch & Learn

Tumor organoids have emerged as a powerful technology in translational cancer research. In this presentation, we highlight the origin and development of the UZA/UAntwerp Tumor Organoid Biobank, its current operational and scientific status, and the broad applicability of organoids in both preclinical research and clinical decision-making. Finally, we demonstrate how the integration of the organoid biobank into TumorBank 2.0 (Biobank Antwerp) enables more efficient use of patient tissue and broader accessibility for researchers.

About the speaker(s)

• Prof. dr. Christophe Deben, head of the Tumor Organoid Biobank UZA/UAntwerp, DrugVision.AI screening platform and Tumoroid Screening Lab
• Andreia Lopes, manager Tumor Organoid Biobank
• Sofie Seghers, PhD-student and physician in training
• Natascha Perales Selva, staff member Bio- and Tissue Bank

Prof. dr. Christophe Deben is the head of the Tumoroid Screening Lab at the University of Antwerp, which focuses on improving 3D in vitro modelling of patient tumors for translational research, primarily through the use of live-cell imaging and omics technologies. He co-established a patient-centered ecosystem built on four interconnected pillars: the UZA/UAntwerp tumor organoid biobank; Orbits Oncology, a spin-off developing an automated image and data analysis platform for functional precision medicine and prediction of patient therapy response; DrugVision.AI, a university-based high-throughput screening facility supporting both academic and industry partners; and Sightera Biosciences, a techbio company that leverages the other three pillars to generate high-quality training data for AI-driven drug discovery and development. Through this integrated platform, his work bridges advanced biological models and artificial intelligence to accelerate precision medicine in oncology.