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Organoid and Spheroid Tumor Models: Techniques and Applications
Sreenivasulu Gunti1, Austin T K Hoke1,2, Kenny P Vu1
1Sinonasal and Skull Base Tumor Program, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Cancers
|March 6, 2021
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models like organoids and spheroids are advancing rapidly. These models, including organoids-on-chip, offer improved tumor modeling, drug screening, and personalized medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- 3D cell culture models are crucial for bridging the gap between traditional cell cultures and animal models.
- Organoid and spheroid cultures represent distinct yet overlapping 3D models with varying complexity and applications.
- Organoids closely mimic original tumor histology and genetics, offering advantages for research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review different tumor spheroid and organoid models and their establishment techniques.
- To discuss recent advances and applications of tumor organoids.
- To highlight the use of organoids in tumor modeling, drug screening, personalized medicine, and immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on tumor spheroid and organoid models.
- Discussion of techniques for establishing organoid and spheroid cultures.
- Exploration of organoids-on-chip technology for emulating tumor microenvironments.
Main Results:
- Spheroids are simpler, structurally less complex models popular for drug screening.
- Organoids offer histological and genetic resemblance to tumors, with ease of generation and long-term culture capabilities.
- Organoids-on-chip integrate organoid technology with microfluidics to simulate tumor pathophysiology and interactions.
Conclusions:
- Tumor organoids and spheroids are valuable tools in cancer research, offering distinct advantages.
- Organoids-on-chip represent a significant advancement for studying tumor microenvironments and interactions.
- These 3D models are pivotal for progress in drug screening, personalized medicine, and immunotherapy.
