Modelling brain tumours with organoids: towards precision medicine in neuro-oncology

Precision medicine in neuro-oncology hinges on our ability to decode the molecular and functional complexity of brain tumours. These tumours are highly heterogeneous and dynamic ecosystems that remain challenging to replicate with traditional experimental models. Organoids have emerged as next-generation tools for capturing the diversity of brain tumours in a clinically relevant context. Here, we review advances in applying organoids as tumour avatars to foster precision medicine. We assess current methodologies for generating organoids from various brain tumour types and illustrate how these models have enhanced mechanistic insight into tumour initiation, progression and resistance to treatment. Furthermore, we explore their translational potential in functional drug screening and treatment stratification, offering a powerful preclinical and co-clinical platform with which to personalize neuro-oncology.