Researchers grew glioblastoma organoids in microgravity aboard the International Space Station to better mimic human brain tumors than Earth-grown models.

Led by Meenal Datta at the University of Notre Dame, the study used GBM cells and innate immune components to form 3D organoids that display more aggressive cancer features and an immunosuppressive microenvironment in space.

The 40-day space experiment produced the first comprehensive multiomics dataset from space-grown GBM organoids, detailing gene activity, protein expression, and cellular organization.

Space Tango supported the project, which launched in 2024 and returned to Earth for analysis.

This work is part of broader ISS National Lab cancer-focused efforts using microgravity to improve disease modeling and therapeutic development on Earth.

ISS National Lab Chief Scientist Michael Roberts noted the potential of combining human GBM cells with immune components in space to create more accurate “mini tumors.”

The study, published in PNAS, provides a comprehensive multi-omics view of space-grown organoids, detailing gene activity, protein expression, cell interactions, and spatial organization.

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences publication highlights the first full multiomics dataset from space-grown organoids, offering deeper insight into GBM biology.

Researchers have launched two additional ISS experiments using patient-derived glioblastoma organoids and immune cells, including work aboard SpaceX’s CRS-35 mission for NASA.

Datta and team are expanding ISS investigations with patient-derived GBM-immune organoids, with one study recently flown on SpaceX CRS-35 to NASA.

Two more ISS investigations involving patient-derived GBM-immune organoids have commenced, signaling ongoing expansion of orbital oncology research.

Microgravity reduces cell settling, allowing the formation of complex 3D structures that better mimic tumor architecture and cell interactions.