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3D tumour models: novel in vitro approaches to cancer studies

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Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling Aims and scope

Abstract

3D in vitro models have been used in cancer research as a compromise between 2-dimensional cultures of isolated cancer cells and the manufactured complexity of xenografts of human cancers in immunocompromised animal hosts. 3D models can be tailored to be biomimetic and accurately recapitulate the native in vivo scenario in which they are found. These 3D in vitro models provide an important alternative to both complex in vivo whole organism approaches, and 2D culture with its spatial limitations. Approaches to create more biomimetic 3D models of cancer include, but are not limited to, (i) providing the appropriate matrix components in a 3D configuration found in vivo, (ii) co-culturing cancer cells, endothelial cells and other associated cells in a spatially relevant manner, (iii) monitoring and controlling hypoxia- to mimic levels found in native tumours and (iv) monitoring the release of angiogenic factors by cancer cells in response to hypoxia. This article aims to overview current 3D in vitro models of cancer and review strategies employed by researchers to tackle these aspects with special reference to recent promising developments, as well as the current limitations of 2D cultures and in vivo models. 3D in vitro models provide an important alternative to both complex in vivo whole organism approaches, and 2D culture with its spatial limitations. Here we review current strategies in the field of modelling cancer, with special reference to advances in complex 3D in vitro models.

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Abbreviations

2D:

Two-dimensional

3D:

Three-dimensional

bFGF:

Basic fibroblast growth factor

BME:

Basement membrane extract

BSA:

Bovine serum albumin

DOX:

Doxorubicin

EC:

Endothelial cell

ECM:

Extracellular matrix

EGF:

Epidermal growth factor

EHS:

Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm

EOC:

Human epithelial ovarian cancer

HA:

Hyaluronan / hyaluronic acid

IL-8:

Interleukin-8

lrECM:

Laminin-rich extracellular matrix

MCS:

Mesenchymal stem cells

MCTS:

Multicellular tumour spheroid

MMP:

Metalloproteinase

NOD:

Non-obese diabetic

PBS:

Phosphate buffered saline

PC:

Plastic compression

PGA:

Polyglycolide

PEG:

Polyethylene glycol

PLA:

Polylactide

PLG/PLGA:

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide)

PVA:

Poly(vinyl alcohol)

RGD:

Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid

SCID:

Severely compromised immunodeficient

VEGF:

Vascular endothelial growth factor

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Acknowledgements

Umber Cheema is a BBSRC David Phillips Fellow and is funded through this route.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Nanotechnology, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, University College London, London, UK

    Agata Nyga & Marilena Loizidou

  2. UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK

    Agata Nyga, Umber Cheema & Marilena Loizidou

  3. Tissue Repair and Engineering Centre, Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, Stanmore Campus, London, HA7 4LP, UK

    Umber Cheema

  4. UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Royal Free Hospital, 9th floor, Pond Street, NW3 2QG, London, UK

    Marilena Loizidou

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  1. Agata Nyga
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  2. Umber Cheema
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Correspondence to Marilena Loizidou.

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Nyga, A., Cheema, U. & Loizidou, M. 3D tumour models: novel in vitro approaches to cancer studies. J. Cell Commun. Signal. 5, 239–248 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12079-011-0132-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12079-011-0132-4

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