Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising multi domain peptide (MDP) hydrogels where the peptides that constitute the hydrogel have at least one N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine side chain. Also provided are hydrogels that further comprise a STING agonist, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, and/or an anti-cancer therapy. Also provided are methods of using such compositions in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising multi domain peptide (MDP) hydrogels where the peptides that constitute the hydrogel have at least one N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine side chain. Also provided are hydrogels that further comprise a STING agonist, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, and/or an anti-cancer therapy. Also provided are methods of using such compositions in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern methods and compositions for treating cancer in an individual that includes combination therapy comprising radiofrequency therapy and immunotherapy. In specific embodiments, utilization of the radiofrequency therapy invokes the immune system of the individual to provide an environment at the tumor that is receptive to native immune system components of the individual, and/or exogenously provided immune system components. In specific cases, the radiofrequency therapy enhances T cell localization to the tumor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure concern systems, methods, and compositions for both in vitro and in vivo models of metastases, such as bone metastases. In specific embodiments, there is a system comprising a source of bone cells, such as osteoblasts, and a source of cancer cells, wherein the bone cells and cancer cells are configured in a chamber or on a chick chorioallantoic membrane such that interaction between the cells is determined. In specific embodiments, the bone cells are comprised in an organoid comprising both mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts (although a naturally derived bone scaffold may be employed), and the cancer cells are comprised in an organoid comprising mesenchymal stem cells and the cancer cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure encompass systems that utilize chick chorioallantoic membranes (CAM) as models for cancer xenografts, including at least patient-derived xenografts (CAM-PDX). In particular embodiments, the system employs the CAM-PDX to graft and culture different types of tumor tissue on a single or multiple eggs. In specific embodiments multiple tumor regions of a single tumor are cultured on a single egg. Frozen tissue is successfully revived, in specific embodiments. Downstream applications following successful establishment of CAM-PDX models are encompassed.