Bioengineered tumor organoids

Recent advances in biofabrication technologies, such as cell culture systems, and biomaterials have led to the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture platforms, such as tumor organoids. Tumor organoids are more physiologically accurate to the in vivo system, which they are intended to model, compared with traditional 2D cancer cell culture systems. Tumor organoids can mimic pathological and physical characteristics of tumors, as well as maintain genetic stability of the cancer cells. Furthermore, tumor organoids have advantage over animal models, being made from human cells and easily controlled in the laboratory to attain the desired tissue characteristics. In this section, we describe general tumor organoid technologies, the importance of the tumor microenvironment in model culture systems, and the use of tumor organoids in drug development and precision medicine. Organoid technologies continue to develop rapidly for applications in academic, clinical, and pharmaceutical settings. Components of the tumor microenvironment. The TME is composed of many different cell types, signaling factors, extracellular matrix components and vasculature that all significantly affect the tumor. These components must be considered when developing a tumor model system. [Display omitted]