Why does this require a Core Needle Biopsy? There is so little tissue and high heterogeneity

A core needle biopsy (CNB) is the most clinically relevant sample, providing intact, viable tumor architecture while remaining minimally invasive for patients. CNBs preserve native tumor�immune and stromal interactions, which are essential for accurately assessing ex vivo functional immune responses to IO therapies. The tissue is immediately embedded in the elive Gel, which maintains viability and structural integrity of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although tissue quantity is limited and heterogeneity is inherent, Elephas mitigates these challenges through multi-fragment sampling, the elive Method within the same fragment, and rigorous QC metrics (viability, immune composition, cytokine dynamic range), which ensure reproducible, clinically meaningful results from minimal tissue.