Unraveling the Challenges of Multiplex Cell Culture Technology Using the HTA Core Model
Author(s)
Talha Qureshi1, Pieter Vandekerckhove, PhD2, Carin Uyl-De Groot, Sr., PhD3, Ken Redekop, MPH, PhD4.
1Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 2TU Delft, P.b.m.vandekerckhove@tudelft.nl, Netherlands, 3ESHPM/iMTA Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 4IMTA (Erasmus University), Rotterdam, Netherlands.
1Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 2TU Delft, P.b.m.vandekerckhove@tudelft.nl, Netherlands, 3ESHPM/iMTA Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 4IMTA (Erasmus University), Rotterdam, Netherlands.
OBJECTIVES: Personalized medicine research is often constrained by the high costs, limited scalability and technical variability associated with large-scale population genetic studies. The multiplex cell culture technology (MCCT) offers a promising solution by enabling the simultaneous study of cells from many patients. However, the intricate design of MCCT presents certain challenges. This research aims to identify these challenges and assess the viability of MCCT through early HTA, supporting informed decisions about its use and large-scale implementation.
METHODS: The HTA Core Model developed by EUnetHTA was applied as a framework to identify the challenges with MCCT across its nine domains. Challenges were identified through literature review, stakeholder input and analysis of the anticipated use of MCCT based on cell culture applications and challenges. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, were searched using keywords such as village in a dish, cell villages, multiplex cell culture, cell culture applications, personalized medicine, genetic diversity, population genetics in diseases and pharmacogenomics.
RESULTS: Challenges were identified across all nine domains. These included inherent issues, such as differences in cell signaling between donors’ cells due to MCCT design, and variability in how different donors’ cells differentiate and divide. There were also application-specific concerns surrounding its clinical utility, limitations for immunological studies, and legal issues related to using MCCT data for clinical decisions.
CONCLUSIONS: The identified challenges have important implications for all stakeholders involved in the development and use of MCCT. For biomedical scientists, inherent issues may complicate data interpretation. Clinicians could face uncertainty when treatment decisions rely on MCCT data. Legal ambiguities emerge for patients, healthcare providers and regulators particularly when responsibility for clinical decisions based on MCCT data is unclear. Addressing these challenges early in development can help ensure smooth and more informed transition of MCCT applications from laboratory to real-world applications.
METHODS: The HTA Core Model developed by EUnetHTA was applied as a framework to identify the challenges with MCCT across its nine domains. Challenges were identified through literature review, stakeholder input and analysis of the anticipated use of MCCT based on cell culture applications and challenges. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, were searched using keywords such as village in a dish, cell villages, multiplex cell culture, cell culture applications, personalized medicine, genetic diversity, population genetics in diseases and pharmacogenomics.
RESULTS: Challenges were identified across all nine domains. These included inherent issues, such as differences in cell signaling between donors’ cells due to MCCT design, and variability in how different donors’ cells differentiate and divide. There were also application-specific concerns surrounding its clinical utility, limitations for immunological studies, and legal issues related to using MCCT data for clinical decisions.
CONCLUSIONS: The identified challenges have important implications for all stakeholders involved in the development and use of MCCT. For biomedical scientists, inherent issues may complicate data interpretation. Clinicians could face uncertainty when treatment decisions rely on MCCT data. Legal ambiguities emerge for patients, healthcare providers and regulators particularly when responsibility for clinical decisions based on MCCT data is unclear. Addressing these challenges early in development can help ensure smooth and more informed transition of MCCT applications from laboratory to real-world applications.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
MT44
Topic
Health Technology Assessment, Medical Technologies
Disease
Personalized & Precision Medicine