Organoids of synovial sarcoma

The use of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models is considered a reliable model that is successfully used for high-throughput drug testing in carcinoma research. However, the development of soft tissue sarcoma organoids is lagging behind. Soft tissue sarcoma is a group of rare malignancies from mesenchymal origin, According to the latest classification, there are more than 80 different subtypes. In our laboratory, we are developing three-dimensional models of synovial sarcoma, which is one of the more common subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma. These models are created from patient samples or samples from patient-derived xenografts. Fresh tumor tissue is collected and enzymatically and mechanically dissociated into small cell clusters. The cells are seeded into a three-dimensional scaffold consisting of collagen type 1 and Matrigel. Advanced Dulbecco's modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM)/F12 and different growth factors (like human recombinant epidermal growth factor, human insulin-like growth factor 1, human recombinant fibroblast growth factor 2 and N-acetylcysteine) are added. The Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 is added to prevent apoptosis during early passages. The organoids are enzymatically (using Liberase) and mechanically passaged every 7-14 days. Established cultures are characterized and can be cryopreserved for biobanking or used for drug screening experiments.