St. Jude Develops 3D Tumor Organoids for Brain Cancer Research

New models allow faster testing of potential pediatric brain tumor therapies.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:56am

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A highly abstract, geometric painting in muted tones of blue, green, and pink, depicting the intricate cellular structures and biological forces within a 3D tumor organoid model, conveying the complexity of this advanced cancer research tool.3D tumor organoids developed at St. Jude offer researchers a faster, more accessible way to study pediatric brain cancers and test potential new therapies.Memphis Today

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have created patient-derived 3D tumor organoids and tumor organoid xenografts that accurately reflect the biology of pediatric brain tumors. These advanced lab-grown models provide a faster, more accessible way for researchers to study these deadly cancers and test potential new treatments.

Why it matters

Pediatric brain and central nervous system tumors are a leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Traditional research models can take months to develop, slowing progress. The new organoid models allow for quicker functional assays and preclinical drug testing without relying on newly obtained tumor samples.

The details

The organoid models were developed for several types of pediatric brain tumors, including medulloblastoma, embryonal tumor with multilayer rosettes, and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors. Molecular analyses showed the models faithfully maintain the genetic, epigenetic, and cellular diversity of the original tumors. Drug testing also demonstrated the organoids responded similarly to their corresponding tumor organoid xenografts.

  • The research was published on April 12, 2026 in the journal Science Advances.
  • The organoid models are now available to the wider scientific community upon request.

The players

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

A leading pediatric research hospital focused on understanding, treating, and curing childhood catastrophic diseases, including pediatric brain tumors.

Martine Roussel, PhD

Corresponding author of the study and researcher in the St. Jude Department of Tumor Cell Biology.

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What they’re saying

“Some patient-derived tumor models can take months to develop, which slows research and increases costs. By developing lab-grown tumor organoids that truly reflect the original tumors they came from, we created a faster, more accessible way for researchers to study these tumors and test potential therapies.”

— Martine Roussel, PhD, St. Jude Department of Tumor Cell Biology

What’s next

The organoid models are now available to other researchers upon request, providing a valuable resource to help advance the study of pediatric brain tumors.

The takeaway

These innovative 3D tumor organoids represent a significant advancement in brain cancer research, enabling faster and more accessible preclinical testing of potential new therapies for devastating pediatric brain tumors.