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The potential of organoids in renal cell carcinoma research
Qiuyang Chen1,2, Xuan Sun1,2, Yubei Li1,2
1Department of Urology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
Renal cell carcinoma, a leading cause of death in urological malignancies, arises from the nephron. Its characteristics include diversity in disease biology, varied clinical behaviors, different prognoses, and diverse responses to systemic therapies. The term 'organoids' is used to describe structures resembling tissues created through the three-dimensional cultivation of stem cells in vitro. These organoids, when derived from tumor tissues, can retain the diversity of the primary tumor, mirror its spatial tissue structure, and replicate similar organ-like functions. In contrast to conventional two-dimensional cell cultures and the transplantation of tumor tissues into other organisms, organoids derived from tumors maintain the complexity and microenvironment of the original tumor tissue. This fidelity makes them a more reliable model for the development of cancer drugs, potentially accelerating the translation of these drugs to clinical use and facilitating personalized treatment options for patients. This review aims to summarize the recent advancements in the use of organoids for studying renal cell carcinoma, focusing on their cultivation, potential applications, and inherent limitations.
Insights
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) organoids, derived from patient tumors, offer a more accurate model for drug development than traditional methods. These 3D cultures better represent tumor complexity, aiding personalized cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a significant urological malignancy with diverse biological and clinical characteristics.
- Treatment responses in RCC vary widely due to disease heterogeneity.
- Conventional 2D cell cultures and xenografts have limitations in recapitulating tumor complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the use of organoids for studying renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
- To focus on the cultivation, applications, and limitations of RCC organoids.
- To highlight the potential of organoids in accelerating cancer drug development and personalized medicine.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing three-dimensional (3D) cultivation of stem cells derived from tumor tissues to create organoids.
- Comparing organoid models to conventional 2D cell cultures and tumor tissue transplantation.
- Analyzing the fidelity of organoids in retaining primary tumor diversity, spatial structure, and microenvironment.
Main Results:
- Tumor-derived organoids retain the heterogeneity and spatial architecture of the original RCC.
- Organoids accurately replicate organ-like functions and the tumor microenvironment.
- Organoids provide a more reliable in vitro model compared to traditional methods.
Conclusions:
- Organoids represent a promising tool for modeling renal cell carcinoma.
- Their ability to mimic tumor complexity facilitates more effective preclinical drug testing.
- RCC organoids hold significant potential for advancing personalized cancer therapies and accelerating clinical translation.
