PROEXMET study reaches midpoint – Research team reviews 2026 progress

Published 19.2.2026

The PROEXMET research team gathered on 11 February 2026 for its annual investigator meeting to review the current phase of the study.

PROEXMET (Prospective proteogenomic analysis and ex vivo drug sensitivity screening of tumor cells and cancer stem-like cells in metastatic solid tumors) is an investigator‑initiated academic study by Turku University Hospital and FICAN West. Its aim is to develop fresh tissue collection and comprehensive genomic profiling for metastatic cancer, as well as to strengthen collaboration between clinical and basic research. Within the study, a broad genomic profile is produced from each patient’s tumor, and drug‑sensitivity screening is performed on the collected fresh tissue sample. The study includes eight basic research subprojects that conduct proteogenomic follow‑up analyses using the collected tumor samples. The project is funded by a grant from the Eschner Foundation.

The PROEXMET research team gathered on 11 February 2026 for its annual investigator meeting to review the current phase of the study, as well as the logistics of PROEXMET samples from the perspectives of the research nurse, research coordinator, and pathologist. The meeting also covered the latest clinical findings and results from the basic research subprojects related to B‑cell lymphoma and lysosome research, cancer stem cell studies, and drug‑screening efforts. The study has successfully established several melanoma cell lines and grown melanoma organoids.

Approximately 100 patients have been recruited during the first two years, and the goal is to recruit a total of 200 patients over four years. Cancer patients have benefited from being directed—through extensive genomic profiling—to clinical trials such as the FINPROVE and TEADES studies. In some cases, broad genomic profiling has also led to further investigations due to the possibility of hereditary cancer. The PROEXMET study is scheduled to continue until the end of 2027.