Patient-derived tumor organoid and fibroblast assembloid models for interrogation of the tumor microenvironment in esophageal adenocarcinoma
2024

Models of Esophageal Cancer Using Patient-Derived Organoids and Fibroblasts

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sharpe Benjamin P., Nazlamova Liliya A., Tse Carmen, Johnston David A., Thomas Jaya, Blyth Rhianna, Pickering Oliver J., Grace Ben, Harrington Jack, Rajak Rushda, Rose-Zerilli Matthew, Walters Zoe S., Underwood Tim J.

Primary Institution: University of Southampton

Hypothesis

Can patient-derived tumor organoids and cancer-associated fibroblasts be combined to create a model that accurately represents the tumor microenvironment in esophageal adenocarcinoma?

Conclusion

The study successfully developed assembloid models that replicate the tumor microenvironment and interactions between cancer cells and fibroblasts in esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Supporting Evidence

  • The assembloid models recapitulate the differentiation status of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
  • CAFs support the survival and proliferation of EAC PDOs in culture.
  • Whole-mount immunofluorescence allows visualization of tumor-stromal interactions in 3D.

Takeaway

Researchers created a new model of esophageal cancer by mixing cancer cells from patients with supportive cells called fibroblasts, helping to better understand how tumors grow.

Methodology

The study involved co-culturing patient-derived organoids with cancer-associated fibroblasts in a 3D matrix to create assembloid models, followed by characterization using immunofluorescence and histology.

Limitations

The study used heterologous CAFs, which may not fully mimic the interactions present in patient-derived models.

Participant Demographics

Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, including both male and female participants aged 60 to 81.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100909

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