Chuan‑Hsin Changa†, Chung‑Che Tsaia†, Ching‑Feng Chengb,c,d, Tin‑Yi Chua, Chun‑Pin Chiange, Yi‑Pang Leee, Chao‑Chuan Wuc,f, Jiann‑Hwa Chenc,g,h, Chan‑Yen Kuoa*, Po‑Chih Hsuc,i*
aDepartment of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan, bDepartment of Pediatrics, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan, cSchool of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, dInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, eInstitute of Oral Medicine and Materials, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, fDepartment of Surgery, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan, gDivision of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan, hDepartment of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan, iDepartment of Dentistry, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei, Taiwan
†Both authors contributed equally to this work.
Open Access funded by Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
Abstract
Three‑dimensional (3D) culture systems known as organoids have emerged as powerful preclinical models for human tumors, supporting the advancement of cancer research from the laboratory to clinical application. They have transformed preclinical cancer research by preserving the complexity and biological characteristics of human cancers. Organoids more accurately replicate the intricate architecture and microenvironment of clinical tumors compared to conventional in vitro cell cultures and in vivo animal models. Nonetheless, a thorough overview of the potential applications of cancer organoids is still lacking. In this review, we outline the current knowledge of cancer organoid culture. In addition, organoids and 3D cultures can accurately simulate the in vivo tumor environment. We explore the key features and underlying processes of tumor development and spread and examine recent progress in using patient‑derived tumor organoids for drug testing and immunological research. In additionally, we address the existing obstacles and limitations of organoid technology in clinical settings, along with its future potential. This review underscores the promise of organoids as an innovative approach in cancer therapy and research.
Keywords: Cancer research, Organoids, Patient‑derived tumor organoids, Three‑dimensional culture systems, Tumor environment
