RK Lab

OrganoCure Innovations Lab

Research Interests

•    Childhood Cancers (Neuroblastoma and Retinoblastoma) & Breast Cancers
•    Organoid Models
•    Cell-On-Chip Technology
•    Drug Reprofiling and Discovery
•    Cancer Biology and Genetics 

Aims of Research

Our research focuses on harnessing organoid technology to recreate miniature versions of tissues in a lab setting. These 'mini-tissue-in-a-dish' models serve as powerful tools for studying diseases, particularly cancer. We specialize in generating and storing cancer organoids, which we use to gain insights into tumor heterogeneity and explore new therapeutic strategies.

Furthermore, we aim to enhance organoids to more closely resemble human tissues by incorporating additional cellular components such as blood vessels, immune cells, and other stromal cells. This advancement enables us to create more accurate models for studying disease progression and testing potential treatments.

Another aspect of our research involves identifying second medical uses for existing drugs using organoid models, particularly for cancers with limited treatment options due to low profitability or high unmet medical needs. Our goal is to discover drugs that exhibit improved anti-tumor activity and have more favorable toxicity profiles, thereby offering new hope for patients.

Additionally, we utilize omics data to search for novel drug targets, with the ultimate aim of enhancing therapy effectiveness. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and multidisciplinary approaches, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to the field of cancer research and drug development.

Organoid technology

 

Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Due to this lack of targetable receptors, TNBC is challenging to treat, with limited options for hormone or HER2-directed therapies. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment, but TNBC often exhibits a poor response to standard chemotherapeutic agents. Consequently, TNBC is associated with a lower survival rate compared to other subtypes of breast cancer. There is a pressing need for the development of novel targeted therapies to improve outcomes for TNBC patients. Repurposing existing drugs that have shown efficacy in other cancer types as an opportunity for treatment could expedite the availability of effective therapies for TNBC.

Drug repurposing