Precision-cut tumor slices: a biomimetic tool for accelerating oncological development from basic research to clinical translation

Faithfully recapitulating the complex pathology of human tumors is a critical requirement for effective cancer research. However, animal models are limited by interspecies differences, and traditional in vitro systems often fail to maintain the native tissue architecture. Precision-cut tissue slices that retain the original tissue’s histology, cellular heterogeneity, and physiological functions offer a compelling alternative. Cultured precision-cut tumor slices (PCTS) leverage these advantages to provide a highly representative model for investigating tumor biology and advancing therapeutic development. This review details PCTS, from tissue preparation and optimized culture conditions to their diverse applications in mechanistic research and preclinical drug evaluations.