Tumor organoids in translational cancer research: Models for personalized therapy

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Tumor organoids are 3D cell culture models derived from patient tumor tissues that replicate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME). These models preserve the genetic and phenotypic features of the original tumor, making them superior to traditional 2D cultures and xenografts for cancer research.

AIM

To explore the role of tumor organoids in translational cancer research, with a focus on their applications in personalized therapy and drug testing.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of studies was conducted, including articles from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a focus on tumor organoid models in cancer research, particularly in preclinical and clinical drug testing, personalized therapy, and biomarker identification.

RESULTS

Tumor organoids enable high-throughput drug screening, allowing the identification of effective therapies for individual patients. They provide insights into tumor behavior, metastasis, and resistance mechanisms. Additionally, organoids facilitate the evaluation of various therapeutic strategies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies. Despite challenges like inconsistent success rates and ethical concerns with animal-derived matrices, advancements in organoid technology, including AI integration and multi-omics, promise to enhance their clinical applications.

CONCLUSION

Tumor organoids hold immense potential in precision oncology by providing more accurate, patient-specific models for studying cancer biology and predicting treatment responses. Their integration into clinical decision-making will enhance personalized treatment approaches and improve cancer therapy outcomes.

Keywords: Tumor organoids; Personalized therapy; Cancer research; Drug screening; Tumor microenvironment

Core Tip: Tumor organoids are a promising tool for personalized cancer therapy, offering patient-specific models that replicate the tumor’s genetic, phenotypic, and microenvironmental characteristics for more effective treatment strategies.