Modelling the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment: 3D tumor spheroids as an evolving tool

last updated: 2024-02-02
ProjectCapBed :: publications list
TitleModelling the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment: 3D tumor spheroids as an evolving tool
Publication TypeReview Paper
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsRodrigues D. B., Reis R. L., and Pirraco R. P.
Abstract Text

Cancer remains a serious burden in society and while the pace in the development of novel and more effective therapeutics is increasing, testing platforms that faithfully mimic the tumor microenvironment are lacking. With a clear shift from animal models to more complex in vitro 3D systems, spheroids emerge as strong options in this regard. Years of development have allowed spheroid-based models to better reproduce the biomechanical cues that are observed in the tumor-associated extracellular matrix (ECM) and cellular interactions that occur in both a cell–cell and cell-ECM manner. Here, we summarize some of the key cellular interactions that drive tumor development, progression and invasion, and how successfully are these interactions recapitulated in 3D spheroid models currently in use in the field. We finish by speculating on future advancements in the field and on how these can shape the relevance of spherical 3D models for tumor modelling.

Journal Journal of Biomedical Science
Date Published2024-01-23
PublisherBMC
ISSN1423-0127
DOI10.1186/s12929-024-00997-9
Keywords3D Tumor Models, Cancer, spheroids, Tumor microenvironment
RightsopenAccess
Peer reviewedyes
Statuspublished

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