[In vitro test systems in cancer research]

An increasing variety of in vitro test systems is used in cancer research to detect mutagenic or carcinogenic factors, to improve diagnosis and therapy and to study cancer cell functions and metastasis. This short review indicates that these in vitro techniques are not only superior to some animal experiments but often are the leading techniques. Improved 3D cell culture techniques, studies of membrane of organelle functions as well as molecular biology and genetic techniques will be discussed in the light of the cancer research strategic recommendations of the European Community (Europe against cancer). The multistep cascade of events during metastasis can be studied by in vitro techniques with outstanding precision, making many painful animal experiments avoidable. Metabolically competent human cells are superior tools to uncover carcinogenic compounds and mutagenic factors.