Patient-derived organoids: Transforming cancer research and personalized medicine

New review highlights how mini-organs model tumor environments, enhance drug testing, and pave the way for personalized cancer treatments.

Study: Patient-derived organoids in precision cancer medicine. Image Credit: RaffMaster/Shutterstock.comStudy: Patient-derived organoids in precision cancer medicine. Image Credit: RaffMaster/Shutterstock.com

In a recent review published in Med, researchers explored the use of patient-derived organoids (PDOs), or lab-grown mini-organs, as powerful tools in cancer research. PDOs replicate the complexity of human tumors, allowing for advanced studies of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and serving as preclinical models for gene editing, molecular profiling, drug testing, and biomarker discovery—crucial for personalized treatment approaches.

Background

Organoids are 3D models derived from patient cells that offer an accurate representation of human tissue. Recently approved as alternative drug-testing methods, organoids hold potential to replace animal models, providing insights into TME interactions and patient-specific drug responses.

PDO models and tumor interaction

PDO co-culture models simulate interactions between cancer and immune cells, aiding the study of drug resistance and immunotherapy. Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-PDO and endothelial cell (EC)-PDO co-cultures reveal how CAFs drive tumor progression and drug resistance, while ECs stimulate angiogenesis and inflammation.

Advanced culture techniques

Air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures

ALI supports 3D tumor cultures, maintaining functional immune cells that help assess immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies, enhancing precision medicine.

Microfluidic cultures

This method sustains tumor and immune cells in dynamic environments, aiding high-throughput drug screening and personalized immunotherapy.

Organ-on-Chip (OoC)

OoC replicates tumor physiology using microfluidics, enabling the study of resistance mechanisms and drug responses.

Genetic and molecular insights

PDOs derived from stem cells are key in studying cancer heterogeneity, with gene editing tools targeting oncogenes and tumor progression markers. Molecular profiling of PDOs allows for the identification of tumor-specific mutations and biochemical dependencies, offering valuable insights beyond traditional biopsy limitations.

Drug screening and biomarkers

PDOs mimic patient-specific genetic diversity, assisting in drug response prediction and treatment guidance for resistant cancers.

Advances in spatial transcriptomics are enhancing high-throughput PDO-based drug screening. Additionally, PDOs aid in biomarker discovery, revealing treatment efficacy and mechanisms of drug resistance.

PDO biobanks

PDO biobanks, established for various cancers, support personalized therapy and drug research. While challenges remain, such as maturation and structural support, these biobanks have transformative potential in regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.

Conclusion

PDOs are physiologically relevant, high-throughput models for biomarker discovery, drug development, and personalized medicine.

With ongoing advancements in 3D culturing, gene editing, and computational tools, PDOs are poised to become essential, cost-effective resources in cancer care, paving the way for innovative, patient-specific therapies.

Journal reference:
Dr. Sushama R. Chaphalkar

Written by

Dr. Sushama R. Chaphalkar

Dr. Sushama R. Chaphalkar is a senior researcher and academician based in Pune, India. She holds a PhD in Microbiology and comes with vast experience in research and education in Biotechnology. In her illustrious career spanning three decades and a half, she held prominent leadership positions in academia and industry. As the Founder-Director of a renowned Biotechnology institute, she worked extensively on high-end research projects of industrial significance, fostering a stronger bond between industry and academia.  

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Chaphalkar, Sushama R.. (2024, November 12). Patient-derived organoids: Transforming cancer research and personalized medicine. News-Medical. Retrieved on December 06, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241112/Patient-derived-organoids-Transforming-cancer-research-and-personalized-medicine.aspx.

  • MLA

    Chaphalkar, Sushama R.. "Patient-derived organoids: Transforming cancer research and personalized medicine". News-Medical. 06 December 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241112/Patient-derived-organoids-Transforming-cancer-research-and-personalized-medicine.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Chaphalkar, Sushama R.. "Patient-derived organoids: Transforming cancer research and personalized medicine". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241112/Patient-derived-organoids-Transforming-cancer-research-and-personalized-medicine.aspx. (accessed December 06, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Chaphalkar, Sushama R.. 2024. Patient-derived organoids: Transforming cancer research and personalized medicine. News-Medical, viewed 06 December 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241112/Patient-derived-organoids-Transforming-cancer-research-and-personalized-medicine.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Liver conversion of fructose fuels cancer growth by supplying lipids for tumor proliferation