Precision oncology

What we do

Contact information:

Dr Mutsa Takundwa
Senior Researcher
mtakundwa@csir.co.za

Dr Deepak Thimiri Govindaraj
Centre Manager: Synthetic Biology and Precision Medicine
@email

Dr Duduetsang Saku
Business Development and Commercialisation Manager
@email

Highlights

Scientist looking at liquid in container

Collaboration pioneers personalised leukaemia treatment for Africa

The CSIR, in collaboration with clinicians from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, has developed an innovative ex vivo drug sensitivity testing platform. This pilot study marks a significant step forward in precision medicine for leukaemia patients in South Africa, offering the promise of more tailored and effective treatment options for individuals diagnosed with this aggressive blood cancer.

Needle being inserted into person's arm

Personalised chemo for African patients

In a first for Africa, researchers are screening cancer tissue samples to identify existing drugs that could be repurposed as effective chemotherapies for people of African descent. The CSIR and University of Pretoria are building a database using tumor samples donated by consenting patients at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, aiming to enable future patients in Africa to access personalised cancer medicines. Read more or watch a video.

Capabilities

 

Scientist performing an experiement
Precision oncology for personalised cancer treatment

Our precision oncology research focuses on rapid testing of patient samples to help clinicians select the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs or combination regimens using a functional precision medicine approach. By leveraging patient-derived samples and established cell lines, the team models various cancers in 2D and 3D formats to better replicate tumour biology. With expertise in 2D and 3D cell culture, drug and cytotoxicity assays, deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid analysis, next-generation sequencing library preparation, quality control and sequencing workflows, we provide a comprehensive platform for personalised cancer treatment strategies and translational research.

Our facilities

 

Scientist looking through microscope
Synthetic Biology and Precision Medicine Centre

The CSIR Synthetic Biology and Precision Medicine Centre is a collaborative initiative uniting state academic hospitals and local universities to advance personalised cancer treatment. Located in a purpose-built, multi-functional chemical biology facility, the cancer biology laboratory serves as the central hub for sample processing and nucleic acid isolation. The laboratory features advanced infrastructure, including biosafety cabinets, ultracentrifuges, TapeStation systems, PCR cyclers, -80 °C storage, bench-top centrifuges, inverted brightfield and phase-contrast microscopes, cell counters and precision incubators. This integrated setup supports high-quality, reproducible workflows essential for advancing the functional precision medicine approach in oncology.