Article Text
Abstract
Introduction Organoids are three-dimensional in vitro culture systems. This model has been shown to be superior to conventional two-dimensional cell culture in recapitulating functionality, architecture, and genomic features of tissues seen in vivo. Patients with gynecologic cancers, especially with refractory disease status, may experience the accumulation of malignant effusion fluids. In this study, accumulated body fluids were analyzed to predict chemotherapy response by using organoids culture systems.
Methods We obtained tumor specimens in the form of multicellular spheroids present in malignant effusion fluids. We developed organoid growth of tumor cells and used them as a platform for empirical drug sensitivity testing. Body fluid samples (either ascites or pleural effusion) from 44 patients with gynecologic cancers were collected. Multicellular spheroids were recovered and subjected to culture conditions designed to support organoid growth. Drug sensitivity testing with various chemotherapeutic agents was performed on these specimens.
Results Our model demonstrated organoids formed within days of primary culture. Established organoid lines showed patient-tumor dependent morphology and disease characteristics, recapitulating the features of patient-specific malignant cells. Drug sensitivity testing identified several agents with therapeutic potential and these results displayed patient-specific sensitivity to different chemotherapeutic agents.
Conclusion/Implications Establishment of organoid culture of multicellular spheroids from gynecologic malignant effusions can be used as a platform for empirical drug sensitivity testing. These models may be helpful in screening new or existing therapeutic agents prior to individualized treatment options.