Genomic and Epigenomic Characterization of Tumor Organoid Models

Abstract

Tumor organoid modeling has been recognized as a state-of-the-art system for in vitro research on cancer biology and precision oncology. Organoid culture technologies offer distinctive advantages, including faithful maintenance of physiological and pathological characteristics of human disease, self-organization into three-dimensional multicellular structures, and preservation of genomic and epigenomic landscapes of the originating tumor. These features effectively position organoid modeling between traditional cell line cultures in two dimensions and in vivo animal models as a valid, versatile, and robust system for cancer research. Here, we review recent advances in genomic and epigenomic characterization of tumor organoids and the novel findings obtained, highlight significant progressions achieved in organoid modeling of gene–drug interactions and genotype–phenotype associations, and offer perspectives on future opportunities for organoid modeling in basic and clinical cancer research.

Unlocking the potential of organoids in cancer treatment and translational research: An application of cytologic techniques

“…Organoid technology presents unique benefits, such as the potential to capture tumor heterogeneity, and thus maintain the physiological and pathological traits of cancer, and conserve the genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic landscapes of the original primary tumor. 1,2 Consequently, organoid modeling stands as a dependable, adaptable, and strong alternative between 96 -Cancer Cytopathol. 2024;132:96-102. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cncy © 2023 American Cancer Society.…”

“…The widespread adoption of the organoid model is a testament to its cutting‐edge potential for unravelling the complexities of cancer and accelerating the development of new treatments for rare tumors. Organoid technology presents unique benefits, such as the potential to capture tumor heterogeneity, and thus maintain the physiological and pathological traits of cancer, and conserve the genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic landscapes of the original primary tumor 1,2 . Consequently, organoid modeling stands as a dependable, adaptable, and strong alternative between the traditional two‐dimensional (2D) cell line cultures and the in vivo animal models for cancer research and personalized medicine 1 .…”