Successful conclusion to the Tumor-LN-oC Project!

We are proud to announce the successful completion of the European Horizon 2020 project Tumor‑LN‑oC in October 2025. Over the course of the project, the consortium worked together to advance innovative approaches in organ-on-chip technology and cancer research, strengthening Europe’s capacity for cutting‑edge, interdisciplinary biomedical innovation!

About the Tumor‑LN‑oC Project

Tumor‑LN‑oC (Tumor–Lymph Node‑on‑a‑Chip) was launched with the ambition to develop and validate advanced organ‑on‑chip technologies that better reflect the complex interactions between tumors and the immune system, particularly within lymph nodes. By combining expertise from biology, engineering, microfluidics, and data analysis, the project aimed to contribute to more predictive and human‑relevant research models, ultimately supporting improved cancer research and therapy development.
Throughout the project lifetime, Tumor‑LN‑oC addressed key scientific and technological challenges, including:

• Development of physiologically relevant tumor and lymph node models
• Integration of microfluidic and bioengineering solutions
• Promotion of alternatives to traditional animal models
• Strengthening collaboration between academia, research institutions, and industry

The outcomes of the project have generated valuable scientific knowledge, technological advances, and a solid foundation for future research and innovation in the field.

Scientific and technological progress

The main objective pursues by the consortium was to create a Tumor-LN-oC platform to monitor LN metastasis, characterize signaling cues facilitating LN metastasis, and identify spectral and molecular signatures in metastasizing cells. This could lead to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches. Additionally, the platform can serve as a preclinical setting for drug testing for individual lung cancer patients.

Specific objectives included:

• 1) To introduce novel designs and develop robust, automated microfluidic chips optimized for tumor cell and LN culture enabling the study of their crosstalk,
• 2) To integrate Quantum Cascade Laser based mid- IR spectroscopy for specific chemical signatures,
• 3) To molecularly characterize both migrating tumor-derived cells attracted to the LN and the soluble signals driving migration,
• 4) To demonstrate an advanced image analysis and signal processing platform using deep learning algorithms facilitated by a micro-optics module to monitor in real time the cells migration,
• 5) To integrate all Tumor-LN-oC technologies in an automated platform prototype incorporating interfaces compatible with existing laboratory equipment.
• 6) To demonstrate the Tumor-LN-oC TRL5 platform and validate it with real patient samples
• 7) To establish regulatory pathways and assure regulatory standards and requirements compliance during the development of the Tumor-LN-oC in order to facilitate exploitation and early market entry

The Tumor-LN-oC platform uses a novel multi-compartment microfluidic chip mimicking the tumor microenvironment and its lymphatic connection. Employing mid-IR Photothermal (MIP) spectroscopy and microlens array-based micro-optics, we can generate spectral “fingerprints” of metastasizing cells for diagnostic purposes. Laser-based bioprinting is used to precisely place LN and tumor cells within the chip with high viability. The platform has been developed at TRL5 and validated with real patient samples, considering regulatory pathways to facilitate market entry.

By the end of the project, Tumor-LN-oC has successfully developed and optimized individual platform components and implemented their integration in the final prototype, making remarkable progress in all objectives:

• 1) We have designed and fabricated microfluidic chips with artificial cilia for continuous recirculatory flow for culturing tumor and LN cells and tissue samples. The chips were validated for long-term cell culture with cell lines and surgical samples.
• 2) Tumor-LN-oC consortium successfully integrated the EC-QCL laser source with the MIP spectroscopy module and completed comprehensive testing and calibration of the system. The integrated MIP system has demonstrated full functionality within the Tumor-LN-oC platform, including successful analysis of tissues and cells in fluidic environments.
• 3) We have isolated lymph-like media in the upper section of the Tumor-LN-oC chips; cytokines identified from the patient-derived samples were highly variable and demonstrated patient-specific expression. We have identified “druggable” targets for a more personalized approach in cancer treatment, with findings further implicating Jagged1 as a regulator of both the protein matrix surrounding tumors and cell movement in breast cancer.
• 4) The micro-optics module, based on microlens arrays, creates images with an FOV of 8.4 x 6 mm and an optical resolution of 3.9 μm. The high-level control software integrates all system functionalities. Machine learning was used for cell segmentation and motion quantification, enabling real-time monitoring of directional cell motion. Extensive user feedback has resulted in a software package which can be deployed for multiple days to acquire migration data from the microfluidic channels.
• 5) All modules were integrated into a functional TRL5 Tumor–LN-on-Chip prototype, with demonstrated troubleshooting, stable fluidic control and long term live cell culture across multiple chip configurations and cell/tissue types. The platform supported real-time imaging of single cell migration, maintained viable cultures under flow, and enabled mid-infrared photothermal spectroscopy in microfluidic chips.
• 6) Tumor-LN-oC platform underwent extensive optimization to support metastasis diagnosis and molecular characterization of migrating tumor cells. Cells cultured on the microfluidic platform remained significantly healthier than those in traditional Transwell (TW) systems. These results confirm that tumour slices cultured under continuous flow on the Tumor-LN-oC generate sufficient, high-quality mRNA for downstream analysis of migrating versus non migrating tumour cells.
• 7) The regulatory roadmap for metastasis diagnosis and drug testing applications was generated, identifying applicable guidelines and technical standards. 2 meeting with the EMA’s innovation task force were held. A comprehensive regulatory whitepaper summarizes lessons learned and outlining the standards, guidelines, and strategic pathways relevant to future market authorization. The exploitation and commercialization plan provides a foundation for future exploitation and continued cooperation of partners.

A Strong and Collaborative Consortium

The success of Tumor‑LN‑oC would not have been possible without the dedication, expertise, and commitment of its consortium partners. The project brought together a diverse group of organizations from across Europe, fostering a truly collaborative environment built on mutual trust, open communication, and shared scientific ambition.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all consortium partners, researchers, project managers, and technical staff for their excellent cooperation and continuous engagement throughout the project. The collaborative spirit demonstrated across work packages was a key strength of Tumor‑LN‑oC and a clear example of the value of European research partnerships.

Funding and Acknowledgement

Tumor‑LN‑oC received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, which played a crucial role in enabling cross‑border collaboration and high‑impact research. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the European Commission and the project officers who guided and supported the project over its lifetime.

Looking Ahead

Although the Tumor‑LN‑oC project has officially concluded, its impact will continue through published results, developed technologies, and ongoing collaborations among the partners. The knowledge and networks established during the project provide a strong basis for future initiatives in organ‑on‑chip research and cancer modeling, and we will continue to explore follow-up project. If you are interested to learn more, feel free to reach out via the contact form!

We will continue to update this website periodically with any new publications or updates.

Our wholehearted thank you to everyone who contributed to Tumor‑LN‑oC and look forward to building on these achievements in future European research and innovation projects!