Three-Dimensional Culture and Characterization of Patient-Derived Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Organoids
Abstract Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor with high incidence in East and Southeast Asia. A proper and effective model is urgently needed to explore the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and provide new ideas and methods of cancer treatment.Methods: In this study, we established a three-dimensional (3D) organoid model by patient-derived NPC tissues and adjacent tissues. We described a detailed protocol for culturing of human NPC organoids (including tissue preparation, digestion, culture, subculture, section and immunostaining). The organoids were identified by immunostaining against NPC biomarkers. The drug sensitivity against cisplatin was tested by immunostaining against Ki67 and cleaved Caspase 3.Results: This method was proved to be feasible due to the presence of biomarkers including Vimentin, P63, EGFR and CK34βE12 as well as proliferative/progenitor characteristics such as Ki67, Sox2 and CD54 in NPC organoids. The chemotherapy sensitivity of NPC organoids to cisplatin treatment showed that NPC organoids may be utilized as a platform to verify the effectiveness of different antineoplastic drugs, facilitating to achieve personalized treatment.Conclusions: The NPC organoid may inspire a personalized approach to the management of NPC and expand the repertoire of anti-NPC drugs.