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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
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
Preclinical tumor organoid models in personalized cancer therapy: Not everyone fits the mold
Li-Feng Hu1, Xue Yang2, Huan-Rong Lan3
1Department of Colorectal Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, 312000, China.
Abstract:
In contrast to conventional cancer treatment, in personalized cancer medicine each patient receives a specific treatment. The response to therapy, clinical outcomes, and tumor behavior such as metastases, tumor progression, carcinogenesis can be significantly affected by the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) and interpersonal differences. Therefore, using native tumor microenvironment mimicking models is necessary to improving personalized cancer therapy. Both in vitro 2D cell culture and in vivo animal models poorly recapitulate the heterogeneous tumor (immune) microenvironments of native tumors. The development of 3D culture models, native tumor microenvironment mimicking models, made it possible to evaluate the chemoresistance of tumor tissue and the functionality of drugs in the presence of cell-extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions in a 3D construction. Various personalized tumor models have been designed to preserving the native tumor microenvironment, including patient-derived tumor xenografts and organoid culture strategies. In this review, we will discuss the patient-derived organoids as a native tumor microenvironment mimicking model in personalized cancer therapy. In addition, we will also review the potential and the limitations of organoid culture systems for predicting patient outcomes and preclinical drug screening. Finally, we will discuss immunotherapy drug screening in tumor organoids by using microfluidic technology.
Insights
Patient-derived organoids offer a superior model for personalized cancer therapy by mimicking the native tumor microenvironment (TME). These 3D models improve drug screening and prediction of patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Personalized cancer medicine tailors treatments to individual patients, but conventional models fail to capture tumor heterogeneity.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences treatment response, tumor progression, and metastasis.
- Existing in vitro 2D and in vivo animal models poorly replicate the complex TME.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review patient-derived organoids as native TME-mimicking models for personalized cancer therapy.
- To discuss the potential and limitations of organoid systems for predicting patient outcomes and preclinical drug screening.
- To explore immunotherapy drug screening in tumor organoids using microfluidic technology.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on 3D culture models, specifically patient-derived organoids.
- Analysis of organoid systems for recapitulating TME components (cell-ECM, cell-cell interactions).
- Discussion of microfluidic technology applications in organoid-based drug screening.
Main Results:
- 3D organoid models better mimic the native TME compared to 2D or animal models.
- Organoids enable evaluation of chemoresistance and drug functionality within a 3D context.
- Patient-derived organoids show promise for personalized treatment strategies and drug development.
Conclusions:
- Patient-derived organoids represent a significant advancement in personalized cancer therapy by preserving the native TME.
- Organoid technology offers potential for improved patient outcome prediction and preclinical drug screening.
- Integrating microfluidics with organoids can enhance immunotherapy drug screening capabilities.
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