Modeling neoplastic disease with spheroids and organoids

Table 1 Main features of preclinical cancer models

Features	Cell culture	Spheroids	Organoids	PDXs
Cost	Low	Low	Medium	High
Time	Low^*	Low^*	Medium^*	High^*
Easy handling	+++	++	+	-
Success rate	High	High	Medium	Low
Throughput potential	High	High	Medium	Low
Tumor heterogeneity	No retention	Partial retention	Retention	Retention
Genetic manipulation	+++	+++	+++	-
Human immune components	-	+	+	-
Tumor–stroma interaction	-	++	++	+++

Features are scored as follows: ^*Low (< 1 month), ^*Medium (1–3 months), ^*High (several months). (+++) optimal, (++) good, (+) sufficient, (-) not suitable

ISSN: 1756-8722