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it helps in improving personalised medicine [73,76] . However, there are two main disadvantages of organoid
models: (1) cost; and (2) better and easier assays need to be developed further for efficient screening. As
these organoids harbourthe heterogeneity of the tumour, classical assays based on a single type of cells are
not enough. This research area is mainly dependent on omics studies, such as genomics, transcriptomics,
and proteomics [73,77] . Extensive research in this novel field might contribute to overcoming these limitations.

CONCLUSION
Decades of research and accumulating literature has revealed the complexity of EMT driven by its intricate
network of physiology that is difficult to imitate under lab conditions as experimental model systems.
Though many models are being used, they have their limitations and are currently unable to mimic the
in vivo nature of EMT sufficiently. Researchers still struggle with falsepositive and false negative results
due to these problems. Therefore, the problem should be addressed with a holistic approach including
a combination of feasible 2D, 3D and organoid models along with omics studies to achieve meaningful
outcomes for patient care. Given the modern progression of science and technology, with the merger of
advanced interdisciplinary tools, we may soon see game-changing giant leaps of success in the precision
targeting of EMT.

DECLARATIONS
Acknowledgments
We want to acknowledge Transcell Oncologics (www.transcellonco.science) investors for privately funding
research and drug discovery in the company. We would also like to thank the Technology Business
Incubator, University of Hyderabad, for providing lab space and facilities.

Authors’ contributions
Wrote the manuscript with input received from Irlapati V and Dravida S: Mokhamatam RB
Contributed in supporting with references, summarizing the interpretation with critical feedback: Irlapati
VK
Conceived the framework of the review, supported by providing overall direction with the flow, edited the
manuscript: Dravida S

Availability and data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
None.

Conflict of interest
All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2020.