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Patient-Derived Cancer Organoids for Precision Oncology Treatment
Mark N Pernik1, Cylaina E Bird1, Jeffrey I Traylor1
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA.
Abstract:
The emergence of three-dimensional human organoids has opened the door for the development of patient-derived cancer organoid (PDO) models, which closely recapitulate parental tumor tissue. The mainstays of preclinical cancer modeling include in vitro cell lines and patient-derived xenografts, but these models lack the cellular heterogeneity seen in human tumors. Moreover, xenograft establishment is resource and time intensive, rendering these models difficult to use to inform clinical trials and decisions. PDOs, however, can be created efficiently and retain tumor-specific properties such as cellular heterogeneity, cell-cell and cell-stroma interactions, the tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic responsiveness. PDO models and drug-screening protocols have been described for several solid tumors and, more recently, for gliomas. Since PDOs can be developed in clinically relevant time frames and share many characteristics of parent tumors, they may enhance the ability to provide precision oncologic care for patients. This review explores the current literature on cancer organoids, highlighting the history of PDO development, organoid models of glioma, and potential clinical applications of PDOs.
Insights
Patient-derived cancer organoids (PDOs) offer a more accurate preclinical cancer model than traditional methods. These 3D models retain tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic responsiveness, aiding precision oncology.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Traditional preclinical cancer models like cell lines and xenografts lack tumor cellular heterogeneity.
- Xenograft models are time-consuming and resource-intensive, limiting their clinical trial applicability.
- Three-dimensional human organoids enable the development of patient-derived cancer organoid (PDO) models that closely mimic parental tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on cancer organoids.
- To highlight the history and development of PDOs.
- To discuss organoid models of glioma and their clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on cancer organoids and PDOs.
- Focus on studies detailing PDO development and characterization.
- Analysis of PDO applications in preclinical cancer research, particularly for gliomas.
Main Results:
- PDOs efficiently recapitulate parental tumor tissue, including cellular heterogeneity, cell-cell and cell-stroma interactions, and the tumor microenvironment.
- PDOs demonstrate therapeutic responsiveness, similar to the original tumors.
- PDO models and drug-screening protocols are established for various solid tumors and gliomas.
Conclusions:
- PDOs offer a powerful tool for preclinical cancer research due to their ability to retain key tumor characteristics.
- The development of PDOs in clinically relevant time frames supports their potential in advancing precision oncologic care.
- PDOs, especially for gliomas, show promise for improving personalized treatment strategies and informing clinical decisions.
