Tumor Organoid and Microenvironment Cocultures: Implications for Basic and Translational Cancer Research

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biotechnology
• 3D Cell Culture

Background:

• The tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical in cancer progression and treatment resistance.
• Current models struggle to replicate the TME's complex cellular interactions.
• Organoids offer a promising 3D platform for studying organ and tissue complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current organoid coculture methodologies for modeling the TME.
• To explore the application of organoid cocultures in understanding cancer mechanisms and evaluating therapies.
• To highlight the potential of organoid cocultures in advancing precision oncology.

Main Methods:

• Review of organoid coculture techniques including direct coculture, air-liquid interface, microfluidics, and 3D bioprinting.
• Analysis of how these models recapitulate the in vivo tumor milieu.
• Evaluation of therapeutic modalities using organoid coculture models.

Main Results:

• Organoid cocultures effectively replicate the architectural and functional complexity of organs.
• These models provide insights into tumor evolution and therapeutic resistance within the TME.
• Organoid cocultures enhance the prediction of treatment outcomes for modalities like antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Organoid coculture methodologies are advancing cancer research by accurately modeling the TME.
• These models are crucial for understanding cancer biology and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
• Organoid cocultures are accelerating the development of precision medicine in oncology.