Organoids in Cancer Research and Regenerative Medicine: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Cancer and tissue regeneration pose great challenges to global health, as cancer treatment is impeded by tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance, while regenerative medicine is constrained by donor shortages and difficulties in replicating native tissue structures. Organoids, as advanced three-dimensional multicellular structures derived from stem cells, have emerged as transformative tools in biomedical research. They recapitulate key aspects of native human tissue composition and functions, offering enhanced physiological relevance over traditional models. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the latest advancements in organoid technology within the fields of cancer research and regenerative medicine. We begin by discussing the fundamental aspects of organoid generation, characterization, and application. Furthermore, recent progress in both cancer-oriented and regeneration-focused organoids is summarized, with an emphasis on their applications in disease modeling, drug screening, mechanistic analysis, and precision medicine. Based on an extensive review of the literature, the current challenges and future directions in the development and application of organoid models are discussed. As organoid technology continues to evolve, it is anticipated that more high-quality studies will further advance medical science and foster innovation in personalized therapeutics.