Next‐Generation Preclinical Functional Testing Models in Cancer Precision Medicine: CTC‐Derived Organoids

Abstract Basic and clinical cancer research requires tumor models that consistently recapitulate the characteristics of prima tumors. As ex vivo 3D cultures of patient tumor cells, patient‐derived tumor organoids possess the biological properties of primary tumors and are therefore excellent preclinical models for cancer research. Patient‐derived organoids can be established using primary tumor tissues, peripheral blood, pleural fluid, ascites, and other samples containing tumor cells. Circulating tumor cells acquired by non‐invasive sampling feature dynamic circulation and high heterogeneity. Circulating tumor cell‐derived organoids are prospective tools for the dynamic monitoring of tumor mutation evolution profiles because they reflect the heterogeneity of the original tumors to a certain extent. This review discusses the advantages and applications of patient‐derived organoids. Meanwhile, this work highlights the biological functions of circulating tumor cells, the latest advancement in research of circulating tumor cell‐derived organoids, and potential application and challenges of this technology.