Organoids in the research of pancreatic neoplasms: cultivation, applications, and limitations

Pancreatic neoplasms are mainly classified as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms, and pancreatic cystic neoplasms. As a three-dimensional in vitro culture model, organoid technology can faithfully mimic the tissue structure, cell types, and tumor microenvironment, providing an innovative tool for pancreatic neoplasm research. This review systematically summarizes the application progress and challenges of organoid technology in pancreatic neoplasms research. At the methodological level, organoid models are constructed through techniques such as Matrigel embedding, air-liquid interface, microfluidic chips, and suspension culture. These models preserve the molecular characteristics and heterogeneity of neoplasms, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional models, such as long cultivation periods and significant species differences. In terms of research applications, organoid technology has been widely used for omics analysis, drug screening, and the simulation of the tumor microenvironment in PDAC studies. The review underscores recent advances in these areas, with a focus on key research findings and ongoing clinical trials. Despite its advantages, organoid technology still encounters several limitations: the progressive loss of tumor microenvironment components, heavy reliance on Matrigel, challenges in obtaining sufficient and representative patient samples, inter-sample heterogeneity, non-neoplastic cell contamination, and the current lack of standardized culture protocols. In conclusion, by accurately replicating the biological characteristics of tumors, organoid technology has emerged as a powerful platform that has significantly advanced both basic research and clinical treatments for pancreatic neoplasms.