Progress in the application of organoids to breast cancer research

J Cell Mol Med. 2020 May;24(10):5420-5427. doi: 10.1111/jcmm.15216. Epub 2020 Apr 13.

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. Breast cancer research is currently based mainly on animal models and traditional cell culture. However, the inherent species gap between humans and animals, as well as differences in organization between organs and cells, limits research advances. The breast cancer organoid can reproduce many of the key features of human breast cancer, thereby providing a new platform for investigating the mechanisms underlying the development, progression, metastasis and drug resistance of breast cancer. The application of organoid technology can also promote drug discovery and the design of individualized treatment strategies. Here, we discuss the latest advances in the use of organoid technology for breast cancer research.

Keywords: breast cancer; organoid; studying model.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Gene Editing
  • Humans
  • Organoids / pathology*
  • Research
  • Spheroids, Cellular
  • Tissue Culture Techniques*