To develop new targeted treatments for cancer, scientists need tissue models that accurately represent the genetic and molecular traits of the cancer they’re studying. An international team led by researchers at MIT’s Koch Institute, the Broad Institute, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the National Cancer Institute, and numerous other partnering institutions has developed nearly 700 new cancer models, derived from patient tumors, which they hope will aid in drug development. These cells, which represent 25 different types of cancer, are now available for cancer researchers around the world to use. The project is described in a new paper appearing today in Nature, with contributors from more than two dozen institutions. The models are the result of a 10-year initiative, funded by the National Cancer Institute, to expand the number of patient-derived tissue models available. For most of these models, the researchers converted tumor cells into organoids — 3D cell cultures that can survive indefinitely and mimic the genetic and molecular features of the tumors that they originally came from. This type of model could help researchers identify new drug targets and test potential new treatments for many more types of cancer. Blogger's Review: This project's outcome will bring revolutionary changes to cancer treatment. The new tissue models can help scientists better understand the mechanisms of cancer and develop more effective treatments. Meanwhile, this project also demonstrates the power of international cooperation, with researchers from different institutions working together to advance cancer research.