Empowering personalized medicine

unleashing the potential of patient-derived explants in clinical practice

Authors

  • Oliwia Piwocka Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland, E-mail: oliwia.piwocka@wco.pl https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7343-9872
  • Wiktoria M. Suchorska Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Center, 61-866 Poznan, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4742-2465
  • Katarzyna Kulcenty Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Center, 61-866 Poznan, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8400-249X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2023-6700

Keywords:

patient-derived explants, personalized medicine, individual therapy, oncology

Abstract

In recent decades, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular characteristics of cancer and its microenvironment, leading to the development of life-saving treatments. However, patients often experience side effects from standard therapies, highlighting the need for personalized medicine. Personalized medicine aims to customize drug therapy and preventive care based on individual patients' specific requirements. The heterogeneity within tumors and among patients necessitates personalized medicine approaches. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs), xenografts (PDXs), and explants (PDEs) have emerged as valuable models for studying tumor behaviour and drug response. This paper aims to summarize the latest advancements in patient-derived explants, focusing on their potential utility in the clinic. Different methods for culturing PDEs, including the free-floating approach, the grid method, and sponge scaffolds, are discussed. These approaches provide opportunities for long-term viability, oxygen and nutrient supply, and maintenance of tissue integrity. Additionally, various solid tumor models using PDEs are highlighted, together with assays to study PDE viability, characteristics, and response to drug treatment.

Published

2024-01-10

How to Cite

Piwocka, O., Suchorska, W. M., & Kulcenty, K. (2024). Empowering personalized medicine : unleashing the potential of patient-derived explants in clinical practice. EXCLI Journal, 23, 81–91. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2023-6700

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