Opportunities and challenges for patient-derived models of brain tumors in functional precision medicine

Abstract Here, we review a growing paradigm shift from genomics-based precision medicine toward functional precision medicine, which evaluates therapeutic efficacy by directly treating living patient tumors ex vivo to better predict patient-specific responses to treatment. We discuss several classes of patient-derived models of central nervous system tumors, highlighting unique features of each. Each class of models holds promise to improve treatment selection, prolong survival, and enhance patient outcomes.