In vivo organoid growth monitoring by stimulated Raman histology

Abstract

Abstract Patient-derived tumor organoids have emerged as a crucial tool for assessing the efficacy of chemotherapy and conducting preclinical drug screenings. However, the conventional histological investigation of these organoids necessitates their devitalization through fixation and slicing, limiting their utility to a single-time analysis. Here, we use stimulated Raman histology (SRH) to demonstrate non-destructive, label-free virtual staining of 3D organoids, while preserving their viability and growth. This novel approach provides contrast similar to conventional staining methods, allowing for the continuous monitoring of organoids over time. Our results demonstrate that SRH transforms organoids from one-time use products into repeatable models, facilitating the efficient selection of effective drug combinations. This advancement holds promise for personalized cancer treatment, allowing for the dynamic assessment and optimization of chemotherapy treatments in patient-specific contexts.