Current Advances in the use of Tumor Organoids in Lung Cancer Modeling and Precision Oncology

Lung epithelium involves adult stem or progenitor cells that possess selfrenewal, differentiation, and self-organizing potential and form the concoction of tissue-specific organoids. Researchers have used genetically modified lung organoids to study different aspects of lung tumorigenesis. Another approach is the patient- derived lung organoid to create a more representative lung cancer model with the tumor microenvironment, extracellular matrix, and immune component. The In vitro patient- derived organoids histologically and functionally mimic the related parent tumors. Lung cancer organoids and organoid-co-cultures can be used to dissect difficult-t- -answer questions, especially regarding human lung cancer. Lung cancer organoids are used not only for understanding tumor biology but also to undertake biomarker studies, and drug screening, evaluate immunotherapeutics, and target tumor microenvironment, and personalized medicine. Lung organoids can also be used to create organoid biobanks for future gene-specific pre-clinical trials and evaluation. This chapter will present an overview of the therapeutic areas in which lung cancer organoids are transforming therapeutic discovery and development, followed by a discussion of future prospects.