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Patient-derived complex organoids are a critical tool to understand and explore pediatric malignant brain tumors
Marlène Deschuyter1,2, Sophie Martin3,4, Chinar Salmanli3,4
1EN-HOPE SMART4CBT Research Center, PEDIACRIEX, Lille, Nancy, Strasbourg, University Hospitals of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. deschuyter@unistra.fr.
Abstract:
Pediatric malignant brain tumors (PMBTs) remain among the most common and challenging cancers in children and adolescents, with current therapies often failing to deliver satisfactory outcomes. A major obstacle is their intrinsic and extrinsic resistance mechanisms, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies and accurate preclinical modeling. Recent advances in organoid-based technologies offer promising tools to mimic PMBTs more faithfully in vitro. These three-dimensional (3D) models can replicate key features of the tumor and its brain-like microenvironment, providing valuable platforms for studying resistant cancer cells and testing novel treatment approaches. This review discusses the relevance of cultured 3D systems, organoids and tumoroids, in pediatric neuro-oncology, emphasizing their role in precision medicine. These models have become essential for dissecting the complex biology and dynamic biological processes of all PMBTs, while bridging clinical challenges with experimental discoveries, ultimately enabling more effective and personalized treatments for young patients.
Insights
Organoid models offer a promising preclinical tool for pediatric malignant brain tumors (PMBTs). These 3D systems better mimic tumors and their microenvironments, aiding research into resistance and personalized treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Research
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Pediatric malignant brain tumors (PMBTs) present significant treatment challenges due to resistance mechanisms.
- Current therapies for PMBTs often yield unsatisfactory outcomes, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Accurate preclinical models are crucial for understanding and combating PMBTs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relevance and application of 3D organoid and tumoroid models in pediatric neuro-oncology.
- To highlight the role of these advanced models in advancing precision medicine for PMBTs.
- To emphasize their utility in dissecting complex tumor biology and facilitating personalized treatment discovery.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of organoid and tumoroid technologies as advanced in vitro models.
- Focus on three-dimensional (3D) culture systems that replicate tumor and microenvironment features.
- Review of literature on the application of these models in pediatric neuro-oncology research.
Main Results:
- Organoid-based technologies show promise in faithfully mimicking PMBTs in vitro.
- These 3D models replicate key tumor features and the brain-like microenvironment.
- Organoids and tumoroids serve as valuable platforms for studying resistant cancer cells and testing novel treatments.
Conclusions:
- Cultured 3D systems, including organoids and tumoroids, are essential tools in pediatric neuro-oncology.
- These models are pivotal for dissecting PMBT biology and bridging clinical challenges with experimental findings.
- Organoid technology facilitates the development of more effective and personalized treatments for young patients with brain tumors.
