Abstract
Abstract The generation of three-dimensional (3D) cancer models is a novel and fascinating development in the study of personalized medicine and tumor-specific drug delivery. In addition to the classical two-dimensional (2D) adherent cell culture models, 3D spheroid and organoid cancer models that mimic the microenvironment of cancer tissue are emerging as an important preclinical model system. 3D cancer models form, similar to cancer, multiple cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions and activate different cellular cascades/pathways, like proliferation, quiescence, senescence, and necrotic or apoptotic cell death. Further, it is possible to analyze genetic variations and mutations, the microenvironment of cell–cell interactions, and the uptake of therapeutics and nanoparticles in nanomedicine. Important is also the analysis of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which could play key roles in resistance to therapy and cancer recurrence. Tumor spheroids can be generated from one tumor-derived cell line or from co-culture of two or more cell lines. Tumor organoids can be derived from tumors or may be generated from CSCs that differentiate into multiple facets of cancerous tissue. Similarly, tumorspheres can be generated from a single CSC. By transplanting spheroids and organoids into immune-deficient mice, patient-derived xenografts can serve as a preclinical model to test therapeutics in vivo. Although the handling and analysis of 3D tumor spheroids and organoids is more complex, it will provide insights into various cancer processes that cannot be provided by 2D culture. Here a short overview of 3D tumor systems as preclinical models is provided.
Highlights
The generation of three-dimensional (3D) cancer models is a novel and fascinating development in the study of personalized medicine and tumor-specific drug delivery
In addition to the classical two-dimensional (2D) adherent cell culture models, 3D spheroid and organoid cancer models that mimic the microenvironment of cancer tissue are emerging as an important preclinical model system. 3D cancer models form, similar to cancer, multiple cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions and activate different cellular cascades/pathways, like proliferation, quiescence, senescence, and necrotic or apoptotic cell death
Tumor spheroids can be generated from one tumor-derived cell line or from co-culture of two or more cell lines
Summary
A major drawback in cancer therapy is the occurrence of therapy resistance, which might evolve during therapy or years after successful treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in late cancer recurrence since many drugs target fast growing cancer cells, while CSCs can remain quiescent for a long period of time. In this view, chemotherapy preferentially eliminates the rapidly dividing cancer cells and not or only insufficiently CSCs. In this view, chemotherapy preferentially eliminates the rapidly dividing cancer cells and not or only insufficiently CSCs These non-affected CSCs may start with cell divisions at a much later time point. The longevity of CSCs may explain why tumors are detected years after apparently successful therapy
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