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Three-dimensional (3D) melanoma culture is a personalized in vitro model that can be used for high-fidelity pre-clinical testing and validation of novel therapies. However, whether the genomic landscape of 3D cultures faithfully reflects the original primary tumor which remains unknown. The purpose of our study was to compare the genomic landscapes of 3D culture models with those of the original tumors. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors were established by engrafting fresh melanoma tissue from each patient. Then, a 3D culture model was generated using cryopreserved PDX tumors embedded in pre-gelled porcine skin decellularized extracellular matrix with normal human dermal fibroblasts. Using whole-exome sequencing, the genomic landscapes of 3D cultures, PDX tumors, and the original tumor were compared. We found that 91.4% of single-nucleotide variants in the original tumor were detected in the 3D culture and PDX samples. Putative melanoma driver mutations (BRAF p.V600E, CDKN2A p.R7*, ADAMTS1 p.Q572*) were consistently identified in both the original tumor and 3D culture samples. Genome-wide copy number alteration profiles were almost identical between the original tumor and 3D culture samples, including the driver events of ARID1B loss, BRAF gain, and CCND1 gain. In conclusion, our study revealed that the genomic profiles of the original tumor and our 3D culture model showed high concordance, indicating the reliability of our 3D culture model in reflecting the original characteristics of the tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument for the assessment of patient-relevant benefit in dermatocosmetic treatment, i.e., skin care, of aged skin. Based on an open item collection with 33 elderly persons, items on patient-relevant treatment goals were collected. An expert panel selected 20 items to be most relevant and feasible for the questionnaire named Patient Benefit Index for Aged Skin (PBI-AS). The instrument, which assesses goal importance and achievement, was tested in a cognitive debriefing and validated in a longitudinal study ( n = 80) along with the Dry Skin Area and Severity Index (DASI) and the Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) as convergent validation criteria. The cognitive debriefing showed the good practicability and feasibility of the instrument. Significant correlation with change in DASI ( r = −0.527; p < 0.001) supports convergent validity of the PBI-AS. By contrast, correlation with DLQI was poor, indicating the different constructs. The PBI-AS is a valid and feasible tool for the patient-centered assessment of dermatocosmetic treatment benefit in aged skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]