Researchers have developed a new platform for assessing anti-cancer drug efficacy in lung cancer that is more reflective of patient response than previously used model systems. The platform relies on the derivation of ‘explants’ from tumor tissue obtained fresh from surgery and treatment of these samples ex vivo with anti-cancer drugs. The platform has the potential to significantly reduce drug attrition rates and increase the success of anti-cancer drugs in the clinic, thus improving patient benefit, say researchers.