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Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Orthotopic Implantation of Patient-Derived Cancer Cells in Mice Recapitulates Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Published on: February 10, 2023
Intestinal tumor in a dish
1Department of Gastroenterology, Keio University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan.
Abstract:
Predicting the response of colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors to novel chemotherapeutic agents is significantly complicated by their underlying genetic and epigenetic diversity. Large-scale clinical trials involving thousands of patients are often necessary in order to accurately determine efficacy during drug development. Recent advances in genetic sequencing has allowed us to improve the prediction of drug response through genetic stratification of patients into smaller populations, yet the complexity of the cancer genome still often confounds accuracy of drug response prediction. Ultimately, we may need to replicate patient's own tumor in a dish in order to test drug responses so that the optimal treatment can be identified. We recently developed highly efficient and tractable organoid culture system for intestinal stem cells, in which single stem cells form 3D structures recapitulating original tissue architecture. This technology has also been applied to colorectal tumors and enables us to monitor the growth and response of the patient's own tumors. In this review, we provide an overview focusing on CRC organoid culture and its perspective for clinical applications.
Insights
Colorectal cancer (CRC) drug response prediction is challenging due to tumor diversity. Patient-derived organoids offer a promising approach to test treatments in vitro, enabling personalized medicine for colorectal cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Stem Cell Biology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits significant genetic and epigenetic diversity, complicating prediction of patient response to chemotherapy.
- Current drug development relies on large clinical trials, which are time-consuming and costly.
- Genetic stratification improves prediction but often falls short due to cancer genome complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of organoid culture technology for colorectal cancer (CRC) research.
- To explore the potential of patient-derived CRC organoids for personalized drug response prediction.
- To discuss the clinical perspectives of using CRC organoids in treatment selection.
Main Methods:
- Development of an efficient and tractable organoid culture system for intestinal stem cells.
- Adaptation of organoid technology for culturing colorectal tumors.
- Utilizing organoids to recapitulate tumor architecture and monitor patient-specific tumor growth and drug response.
Main Results:
- Organoid cultures successfully recapitulate the original tissue architecture of intestinal stem cells and colorectal tumors.
- This technology allows for the monitoring of patient-derived tumor growth and response to therapeutic agents in vitro.
- Organoids provide a viable model for personalized drug screening.
Conclusions:
- Organoid culture represents a powerful tool for understanding colorectal cancer heterogeneity.
- Patient-derived CRC organoids hold significant promise for predicting individual treatment efficacy.
- This technology offers a pathway towards personalized medicine and optimized treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients.
