Cancer accounts for 1 in 6 deaths globally, with over 90 percent of these cases linked to drug resistance. Dr. Tom Chen, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at CSU, has developed an innovative solution that could transform how we monitor cancer at the cellular level and ultimately result in personalizing cancer treatment to combat this critical issue.
In traditional biomedical research, well plates are often used to test various biological conditions, which helps to understand how cells function in different environments. However, this method can disrupt the cells’ metabolic activity during analysis under a microscope. To overcome this limitation, Chen has developed a “smart-well” device featuring microscopic sensors that continuously monitor cellular metabolism in real-time. By creating individual wells equipped with these sensors, the device provides deeper insights into the metabolic activities of cells, such as energy consumption and waste production.
This innovation holds significant promise for applications in cancer treatment, drug discovery, and even assessing embryo quality in in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Currently, Chen is collaborating with the CSU Equine Reproduction Labs to progress the IVF application of this technology. Recently, he secured an Advanced Industries Proof of Concept grant, which will enable him to gather vital data and further apply his technology to cancer research.
“We want to open the door to cancer research, allowing researchers and pharmaceutical companies to explore a 3D cell microenvironment,” Chen explains. “With our device, we can treat cancer tumors while observing their interaction with the surrounding microenvironment and assessing how different drugs respond. That will be a big leap forward based on what we can do now.”
Traditionally, cancer treatment recommendations are based on the expertise of oncologists. However, every cancer patient responds differently to treatment due to their unique genetic makeup and medical history. Chen’s smart-well device aims to take the guesswork out of selecting cancer therapies by showing exactly how a patient’s cells respond to different drugs. By enabling the monitoring of a biopsy across several FDA-approved therapeutics, and by evaluating how a patient’s cancer cells in the microenvironment respond to different drugs, clinicians can tailor treatments to minimize the risk of drug resistance and relapse—an alarming reality faced by an estimated two million cancer patients in the U.S. each year.
The grant Chen received will facilitate data collection and technology validation to determine if his concept is viable for custom cancer treatment analysis. The ultimate goal is to move toward commercialization, demonstrating that this technology can be implemented effectively within the healthcare system.
By collaborating with partners throughout the state, Chen hopes to showcase the innovative work being done, potentially attracting interest and investment.
“We aspire to raise awareness about cutting-edge research in biotechnology and cancer treatment happening right here in Colorado,” Chen reflects. “At some point, you look at your research and ask, ‘Can I actually commercialize this and make a bigger impact on society?”
Chen was one of five grant recipients of the 2024 Advanced Industries Proof of Concept grant program. Advanced Industries funds are provided to CSU through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade with the goal of accelerating commercialization of innovations with high potential for creating economic impact in the state of Colorado. Learn more about the grant program at csustrata.org/technology-transfer/ai-poc-grant and see all 2024 winners at csustrata.org/news-article/five-csu-researchers-awarded-more-than-half-a-million-in-funding.
This story is the first in a series of features highlighting the winners of the 2024 Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant Program. Check out our blog and subscribe to our newsletter for future stories in the series.