Patient-derived tumor organoids: A preclinical platform for personalized cancer therapy

Abstract

Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) represent a significant advancement in cancer research and personalized medicine. These organoids, derived from various cancer types, have shown the ability to retain the genetic and molecular characteristics of the original tumors, allowing for the detailed study of tumor biology and drug responses on an individual basis. The success rates of establishing PDTOs vary widely and are influenced by factors such as cancer type, tissue quality, and media composition. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of organoid cultures may also lead to unique molecular characteristics that deviate from the original tumors, affecting their interpretation in clinical settings without the implementation of rigorous validation and establishment of standardized protocols. Recent studies have supported the correlation between PDTOs and the corresponding patient response. Although these studies involved a small number of patients, they promoted the integration of PDTOs in observational and interventional clinical trials to advance translational cancer therapies.