Esophageal adenocarcinoma models: a closer look

Abstract

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a subtype of esophageal cancer with significant morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Despite advancements in tumor models, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms driving EAC pathogenesis are still poorly understood. Therefore, gaining insights into these mechanisms is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Researchers have developed various models to better understand EAC and evaluate clinical management strategies. However, no single model fully recapitulates the complexity of EAC. Emerging technologies, such as patient-derived organoids and immune-competent mouse models, hold promise for personalized EAC research and drug development. In this review, we shed light on the various models for studying EAC and discuss their advantages and limitations.

Keywords: 3D culture models; GEMMs; animal models; esophageal adenocarcinoma; patient-derived organoids.

FIGURE 1

A schematic diagram showing 2D and 3D models that are used in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC) and their applications.

FIGURE 2

A schematic diagram illustrating the progression from Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC) and correlating it with the various in vivo models employed to investigate each stage.