Functional Precision Oncology, a new compass for cancer care | Apricot Bio

13 snips

Dec 20, 2025

Guest

Michael Zering

Michael Zering, CEO of Apricot Bio, Lucas Pelkmans, a cell biology expert, and oncologist Andreas Wicki discuss groundbreaking advancements in functional precision oncology. They highlight the limitations of traditional genomic diagnostics and propose ex vivo testing of patient-derived cells to enhance treatment decisions. The trio compares real-time cellular data to Google Maps for better navigation through cancer treatment. They also cover the potential of smarter clinical trials and the integration of AI in predicting patient responses, promising a transformative future for cancer care.

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INSIGHT

Test Cells, Not Just Genes

Functional precision oncology adds cellular context by testing living patient cells ex vivo against drugs.
Lucas Pelkmans explains this reveals how identical mutations can produce different drug responses.

INSIGHT

Google Maps For The Cell

More contextual cellular data lets doctors make better, dynamic treatment decisions — like Google Maps for the cell.
Michael Zering frames functional data as an in-the-moment decision aid beyond static genomic snapshots.

ADVICE

Dual Near‑And Long‑Term Uses

Use functional testing both to match patients to existing approved drugs and to inform early drug development.
Lucas Pelkmans and Michael Zering recommend near-term service use and long-term trial integration.

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In this special panel episode recorded in Zurich, the founders of Apricot Bio, Michael Zering (CEO), Lucas Pelkmans (Scientific Founder), and Independent Professor Andreas Wicki from the University of Zurich explore the new field of functional precision oncology—an approach that goes beyond genomics to test how living cancer cells actually respond to treatment. The conversation covers the limits of genetic diagnostics, the promise of ex vivo drug testing, AI-driven decision-making, and how smarter trial design could transform cancer care. The panel also dives into Switzerland’s biotech ecosystem, venture capital realities, and what it takes to bring high-risk, high-impact science from the lab to the clinic.

00:00 – 03:30 | Introduction & Panel Setup
Recorded in Zurich, this special panel episode introduces functional precision oncology and why current diagnostic paradigms are reaching their limits.

03:30 – 12:00 | The Limits of Genomics in Cancer Care
Why genetic screening alone can’t capture tumor complexity, molecular heterogeneity, and real-world treatment response.

12:00 – 22:00 | What Is Functional Precision Oncology?
Testing patient-derived cancer cells ex vivo to understand drug response, cellular context, and therapeutic combinations.

22:00 – 32:00 | “The Google Maps of the Cell” Analogy
How contextual, real-time cellular data improves decision-making compared to static genetic snapshots.

32:00 – 43:00 | Clinical Trials Reimagined
Why traditional drug-centric trials struggle—and how diagnostic-led, patient-specific trials could change oncology research.

43:00 – 53:00 | AI, Data Science & Cellular Context
How machine learning models integrate phenotypic, spatial, and functional data to predict treatment response.

53:00 – 1:03:00 | Drug Combinations & Repurposing
Why single agents often fail—and how functional testing uncovers synergistic therapies missed by standard screens.

1:03:00 – 1:12:00 | Beyond Oncology: What Comes Next?
Potential applications in immunology, hematology, neurology, and other diseases driven by cellular dysfunction.

1:12:00 – 1:20:00 | Switzerland’s Biotech Ecosystem
Strengths, gaps, venture capital realities, and how Swiss innovation compares globally.

1:20:00 – 1:23:00 | Founder Advice, Books & Closing Thoughts
Lessons for scientist-founders, navigating tough funding environments, and recommended reading.