[The application of breast cancer organoids in drug screening and gene function research]

Organoids refer to cell clusters with certain spatial structures formed by human adult stem cells or pluripotent stem cells through three-dimensional culture in vitro, which can be stably passaged. Organoids can simulate real organs in both structure and function, and to the greatest extent reproduce the structure and function of living organs or tissues. They have three-dimensional structural features, retain cellular heterogeneity, and can self-renew and self-organize. In the field of breast cancer research, breast cancer organoid models can faithfully reproduce the heterogeneity, tissue structure, and drug response characteristics of patients' tumors, providing a powerful platform for in-depth understanding of breast cancer biology and achieving individualized treatment. Currently, significant progress has been made in drug sensitivity screening and drug resistance mechanism research using breast cancer organoids, and they have shown unique advantages in elucidating the functions of key genes. This review will introduce organoid technology, especially the application of breast cancer organoids in drug screening and gene function research, and look forward to their application prospects in promoting the development of precision medicine for breast cancer.