Well-characterised biospecimens assist development of cancer immunotherapies

Amsbio report how its biospecimens were used in a large-scale immuno-oncology study analysing Fibroblast Activation protein (FAP) expression across 23 tumour types, contributing to new insights into biomarker development for cancer immunotherapies.

Scientists at Roche Pharma Research used both immunohistochemistry and RNA sequencing techniques to assess expression patterns. The study highlights the value of top-quality human tumour samples for translational immunology research in complex tumour microenvironment biology,

The authors of the study describe how elevated FAP expression was most frequently observed in breast, pancreatic, oesophageal, and lung cancers, while expression was low or absent in most normal tissues, highlighting FAP’s tumour-associated profile. In addition, the analysis of 29 clinical cohorts from 12 trials, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy studies, showed that higher FAP expression was often associated with poorer clinical outcomes, although effects varied by cancer type and treatment context.

The authors concluded that FAP plays a multifaceted role in tumour biology and immunotherapy response, reinforcing its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target within the tumour microenvironment.

Dr Philipp Boder – business development manager at Amsbio commented “By enabling immunohistochemistry and RNA-based analyses at scale, our well characterised biospecimens support research that advances understanding of immune-modulating targets within the tumour microenvironment”.

Amsbio is a respected global provider of extensively characterised human and animal biospecimens. The company’s biorepository includes a vast array of samples from healthy, tumor and other disease states from multiple donors. This portfolio features highly screened biological materials, with full demographic metadata, strict ethical compliance, and detailed pathology reports.

To learn more about this Roche study please visit https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352615/full

For further information on well characterised biospecimens for cancer research please visit https://www.amsbio.com/products/biorepository or contact Amsbio on +31-72-8080244 / +44-1235-828200 / +1-617-945-5033 / [email protected], part of the Europa Biosite group, is a leading life sciences company supporting drug discovery, translational research, and cell and gene therapy across Europe, North America, and wider international markets. With in depth expertise in advanced cell culture, 3D cell models, and cryopreservation, Amsbio is well placed to help researchers progress from early discovery through to clinical and GMP-ready applications. The company’s portfolio of innovative products and services supports multiple stages of the research pipeline, spanning target discovery, assay development, and disease modelling, through to stem cell and organoid-based research. Key solutions include the integrated stem call platform combining StemFit™ media, iMatrix™ recombinant laminins, and CELLBANKER™ cryopreservation technology, alongside extracellular matrix technologies, biospecimens, glycobiology tools, kits and assays, and a wide range of custom services including viral delivery. Drawing on extensive GMP expertise and a comprehensive human and animal biorepository, Amsbio is internationally recognized for delivering high-quality, application-ready products and services. Amsbio has a consistent record of close scientific collaboration with partners in academic, biotech, and pharmaceutical markets to translate innovation from bench to bedside.