Abstract

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies and is characterized by substantial molecular and histopathological heterogeneity, leading to variable treatment responses and clinical outcomes. This heterogeneity underscores the need for personalized therapeutic strategies. Patient-derived gastric cancer organoids have emerged as a promising preclinical model owing to their ability to faithfully recapitulate the structural, functional, and genetic characteristics of primary tumors while preserving patient-specific features in vitro. Objective: To establish a culture protocol for patient-derived gastric cancer organoids. Materials and Methods: Gastric tumor tissues were obtained from patients undergoing curative resection at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City. Tissue samples were mechanically dissociated and enzymatically digested to isolate glands and cells, followed by culture in Matrigel for organoid establishment. Organoids were characterized based on their morphology, histological features using H&E staining, and the expression of the immunohistochemical markers MUC5AC and CD10. Results: Four organoid lines were successfully established from four patients. Organoids appeared within 5 - 10 days, exhibiting two main morphologies (solid and cystic), with robust growth (> 100 µm) and stable morphology through at least eight passages. H&E staining demonstrated that organoids recapitulated the histological features of the primary tumors. Conclusion: We successfully established a protocol for culturing gastric cancer organoids. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of the organoid model, providing a valuable platform for investigating tumor biology, evaluating drug responses, and advancing the development of personalized therapeutic strategies in the future.