Organoids from Tonsil and Head and Neck Carcinoma Tissue

Introduction Despite new therapeutic strategies, the long-term survival of advanced head and neck cancer has been almost unchanged at about 50 %  for years. However, the great genetic heterogeneity due to the very different aetiology significantly complicates the therapy and makes an individualized therapy strategy essential. Recently, a three-dimensional organoid model of head and neck carcinomas was described by Driehuis et al. (2019), which realistically represents the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of the tumor tissue.

Method In this study organoids were generated from residual histological material. The tissue harvested during surgical resection or panendoscopy was immediately placed as fresh tissue in a culture medium and organoids were then generated. A modified medium according to Driehuis et al (2019) was used.

Results Four organoid lines from normal tonsil tissue and four head and neck tumor organoid lines (from laryngeal, tongue and hypopharyngeal carcinomas) were established. Robust growth was observed and the cultures had to be passaged weekly. Two organoid lines were successfully cryopreserved.

Summary Organoids can be successfully generated and cryopreserved from head and neck carcinomas and normal tonsil tissue. This provides a novel three-dimensional model that can be used as a platform for therapy testing.

Poster-PDF A-1071.pdf

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021