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Patient-Derived Organoids: A Game-Changer in Personalized Cancer Medicine
Mohammad Hadi Abbasian1, Navid Sobhani2, Mahsa Mollapour Sisakht3
1Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Research on cancer therapies has benefited from predictive tools capable of simulating treatment response and other disease characteristics in a personalized manner, in particular three-dimensional cell culture models. Such models include tumor-derived spheroids, multicellular spheroids including organotypic multicellular spheroids, and tumor-derived organoids. Additionally, organoids can be grown from various cancer cell types, such as pluripotent stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, progenitor cells, and adult stem cells. Although patient-derived xenografts and genetically engineered mouse models replicate human disease in vivo, organoids are less expensive, less labor intensive, and less time-consuming, all-important aspects in high-throughput settings. Like in vivo models, organoids mimic the three-dimensional structure, cellular heterogeneity, and functions of primary tissues, with the advantage of representing the normal oxygen conditions of patient organs. In this review, we summarize the use of organoids in disease modeling, drug discovery, toxicity testing, and precision oncology. We also summarize the current clinical trials using organoids.
Insights
Organoids, advanced 3D cell cultures, offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional models for cancer research. They are crucial for personalized medicine, drug discovery, and clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Research
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models, including spheroids and organoids, are vital predictive tools in cancer therapy research.
- Organoids can be derived from various cancer cell types, including stem cells, offering versatile applications.
- Compared to in vivo models like patient-derived xenografts, organoids are more economical, less labor-intensive, and faster to develop.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted applications of organoids in cancer research.
- To highlight the advantages of organoids over traditional experimental models.
- To summarize the current landscape of organoid use in disease modeling, drug discovery, toxicity testing, and clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on organoid technology in cancer research.
- Comparative analysis of organoids versus traditional in vivo and in vitro models.
- Synthesis of data on organoid applications in preclinical and clinical settings.
Main Results:
- Organoids effectively mimic the structural and functional complexity of primary human tissues.
- Organoids provide a physiologically relevant platform for personalized oncology and drug screening.
- Current clinical trials are increasingly incorporating organoids for patient-specific treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Organoids represent a powerful and adaptable tool for advancing cancer therapy research and precision oncology.
- Their ability to replicate tissue architecture and heterogeneity makes them invaluable for drug discovery and toxicity testing.
- The ongoing integration of organoids into clinical trials signifies their growing importance in personalized medicine.
