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Updated: Nov 14, 2025
Creating Matched In vivo/In vitro Patient-Derived Model Pairs of PDX and PDX-Derived Organoids for Cancer Pharmacology Research
Published on: May 5, 2021
Patient-Derived Organoids for Precision Cancer Immunotherapy
Mikaela Grönholm1,2,3,4, Michaela Feodoroff1,2,4,5, Gabriella Antignani1,2,4
1Laboratory of ImmunoViroTherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the way tumors are treated. Nevertheless, efficient and robust testing platforms are still missing, including clinically relevant human ex vivo tumor assays that allow pretreatment testing of cancer therapies and selection of the most efficient and safe therapy for a specific patient. In the case of immunotherapy, this testing platform would require not only cancer cells, but also the tumor microenvironment, including immune cells. Here, we discuss the applications of patient-derived tumor organoid cultures and the possibilities in using complex immune-organoid cultures to provide preclinical testing platforms for precision cancer immunotherapy.
Insights
Developing new cancer immunotherapy testing platforms is crucial. Patient-derived tumor organoids and immune-organoid cultures offer promising preclinical models for personalized cancer treatment selection.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cancer immunotherapy has transformed tumor treatment.
- Clinically relevant human ex vivo tumor assays for pretreatment testing are needed.
- Current platforms lack the necessary complexity, including the tumor microenvironment and immune cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the applications of patient-derived tumor organoid cultures.
- To explore the potential of complex immune-organoid cultures.
- To establish preclinical testing platforms for precision cancer immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing patient-derived tumor organoid cultures.
- Developing complex co-culture systems with immune cells.
- Evaluating these models as preclinical testing platforms.
Main Results:
- Patient-derived tumor organoids can model human tumors.
- Immune-organoid cultures incorporate key elements of the tumor microenvironment.
- These complex cultures show potential for preclinical immunotherapy testing.
Conclusions:
- Patient-derived tumor organoids are valuable tools in cancer research.
- Complex immune-organoid cultures represent a significant advancement for preclinical testing.
- These platforms can facilitate the selection of effective and safe precision cancer immunotherapies.
