Abstract
Simple SummaryThe tumor-surrounding niche comprises not only cancer cells but also stromal cells, signaling molecules, secreted factors and the extracellular matrix. This niche has a three-dimensional (3D) architecture and is implicated in tumor progression, metastasis and drug resistance. 3D cancer models have been increasingly attracting attention due to their potential to provide a more representative tumor niche compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) models. Bioengineered 3D models contain multiple cell types and important molecules that interact with each other to resemble crucial features of tumor tissues, including the 3D architecture, mechanical properties, genetic profile and cell responses to therapeutics. These defined characteristics highlight the application of 3D models to study tumor biology, metastatic pathways and drug resistance.Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is one of the leading causes of gynecologic malignancies. Despite treatment with surgery and chemotherapy, OvCa disseminates and recurs frequently, reducing the survival rate for patients. There is an urgent need to develop more effective treatment options for women diagnosed with OvCa. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key driver of disease progression, metastasis and resistance to treatment. For this reason, 3D models have been designed to represent this specific niche and allow more realistic cell behaviors compared to conventional 2D approaches. In particular, self-assembling peptides represent a promising biomaterial platform to study tumor biology. They form nanofiber networks that resemble the architecture of the extracellular matrix and can be designed to display mechanical properties and biochemical motifs representative of the TME. In this review, we highlight the properties and benefits of emerging 3D platforms used to model the ovarian TME. We also outline the challenges associated with using these 3D systems and provide suggestions for future studies and developments. We conclude that our understanding of OvCa and advances in materials science will progress the engineering of novel 3D approaches, which will enable the development of more effective therapies.
Highlights
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, largely due to its late diagnosis, high metastatic potential and resistance to chemotherapy [1,2]
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is comprised of cancer and stromal cells, signaling molecules, exosomes, and the extracellular matrix (ECM), and has long been implicated in the progression, metastasis and resistance to treatment [11,12]
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to tumor initiation, metastasis and resistance to treatment [15,16]
Summary
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, largely due to its late diagnosis, high metastatic potential and resistance to chemotherapy [1,2]. Distant metastasis occurs due to the shedding of cancer cells from the primary tumor, as spheroids or single cells, into the peritoneal cavity and the formation of ascites. Tumor fluid, contains cellular components, cytokines, growth factors and other secreted molecules that support tumor cell proliferation and migration. This rich tumor-promoting microenvironment supports cancer cells to overcome apoptosis and inhibits the response to chemotherapy [5]. Readers are referred to the following reviews for complementary information [8–10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
