Patient-derived organoids as a model for cancer drug discovery

Rae, C. , Amato, F. and Braconi, C. (2021) Patient-derived organoids as a model for cancer drug discovery. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(7), 3483. (doi: 10.3390/ijms22073483) (PMID:33801782) (PMCID:PMC8038043)

Abstract

In the search for the ideal model of tumours, the use of three-dimensional in vitro models is advancing rapidly. These are intended to mimic the in vivo properties of the tumours which affect cancer development, progression and drug sensitivity, and take into account cell–cell interactions, adhesion and invasiveness. Importantly, it is hoped that successful recapitulation of the structure and function of the tissue will predict patient response, permitting the development of personalized therapy in a timely manner applicable to the clinic. Furthermore, the use of co-culture systems will allow the role of the tumour microenvironment and tissue–tissue interactions to be taken into account and should lead to more accurate predictions of tumour development and responses to drugs. In this review, the relative merits and limitations of patient-derived organoids will be discussed compared to other in vitro and ex vivo cancer models. We will focus on their use as models for drug testing and personalized therapy and how these may be improved. Developments in technology will also be considered, including the use of microfluidics, 3D bioprinting, cryopreservation and circulating tumour cell-derived organoids. These have the potential to enhance the consistency, accessibility and availability of these models.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Amato, Francesco and Rae, Dr Colin and Braconi, Professor Chiara

Creator Roles

Rae, C.: Writing – review and editing
Amato, F.: Writing – review and editing
Braconi, C.: Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Rae, C., Amato, F., and Braconi, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 1661-6596
• ISSN (Online): 1422-0067
• Published Online: 27 March 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22(7): 3483
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License