Patient-Derived Tumour Organoids (PDOs) may help oncologists in clinical practice

The use of cancer organoids represents a major advancement in oncology research, addressing the limitations of traditional 2D cell cultures. Optimized protocols now allow the generation of organoids from a wide range of tumor types, including breast, skin, lung, head and neck, and endometrial cancers. These three-dimensional models more accurately replicate the architecture and complexity of patient tumors compared to 2D cultures, spheroids derived from cell lines, or Patient-Derived Tumor Organoids (PDOs) xenografts (PDTXs). This improved fidelity is largely due to the inclusion of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the potential for immune system interactions, as shown in studies involving co-cultures with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Patient-Derived Tumor Organoids (PDOs) organoids (PDOs) have emerged as a powerful platform for preclinical testing, enabling the prediction of patient-specific responses to therapies prior to clinical application. Furthermore, PDOs support the discovery of novel biomarkers and the establishment of biobanks, offering valuable insights into cancer biology and helping to overcome persistent challenges in the field. In this context, we will discuss the methods for generating PDOs, the critical role of selecting appropriate culture media and growth factors tailored to different tumor types, and the analytical techniques to verify the extent to which PDOs recapitulate the original tumor tissue.