Organoid research in digestive system tumors (Review)

Abstract

Digestive system tumors are the most common cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide, although their underlying biological behavior still requires further investigation. Most of the in vitro studies that have been published have been based on the two-dimensional (2D) culture system. However, digestive system tumors exhibit considerable histological and functional heterogeneity, and clonal diversity and heterogeneity cannot be entirely reflected in the 2D culture system. Recently, the development of organoids appears to have shed some light on this area of cancer research. The present review discusses the recent advancements that have been made in the development of several specific organoids in digestive system solid tumors.