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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
A Combined 3D Tissue Engineered In Vitro/In Silico Lung Tumor Model for Predicting Drug Effectiveness in Specific Mutational Backgrounds
Published on: April 6, 2016
Anti-Cancer Drug Validation: the Contribution of Tissue Engineered Models
Mariana R Carvalho1,2, Daniela Lima1,2, Rui L Reis3,4
13B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, AvePark, 4806-909 Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal.
Abstract:
Drug toxicity frequently goes concealed until clinical trials stage, which is the most challenging, dangerous and expensive stage of drug development. Both the cultures of cancer cells in traditional 2D assays and animal studies have limitations that cannot ever be unraveled by improvements in drug-testing protocols. A new generation of bioengineered tumors is now emerging in response to these limitations, with potential to transform drug screening by providing predictive models of tumors within their tissue context, for studies of drug safety and efficacy. Considering the NCI60, a panel of 60 cancer cell lines representative of 9 different cancer types: leukemia, lung, colorectal, central nervous system (CNS), melanoma, ovarian, renal, prostate and breast, we propose to review current "state of art" on the 9 cancer types specifically addressing the 3D tissue models that have been developed and used in drug discovery processes as an alternative to complement their study.
Insights
Bioengineered 3D tumor models offer a promising alternative to traditional 2D cell cultures and animal studies for drug development. These advanced models improve drug safety and efficacy testing, overcoming limitations of current methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Traditional drug development faces challenges with late-stage toxicity detection.
- 2D cell cultures and animal models have inherent limitations in predicting human drug responses.
- There is a critical need for more predictive preclinical models in drug screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of 3D tissue models for drug discovery.
- To explore 3D models as alternatives to traditional methods for cancer drug testing.
- To focus on 3D models developed for nine cancer types represented by the NCI60 cell line panel.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of "state of the art" 3D tissue models.
- Analysis of models developed for leukemia, lung, colorectal, CNS, melanoma, ovarian, renal, prostate, and breast cancers.
- Focus on models incorporating tissue context for drug safety and efficacy studies.
Main Results:
- 3D bioengineered tumor models are emerging as a new generation of predictive tools.
- These models offer potential to transform drug screening by including tissue context.
- The review addresses specific 3D models developed for the NCI60 cancer types.
Conclusions:
- 3D tissue models represent a significant advancement in preclinical drug development.
- They provide a more accurate platform for evaluating drug safety and efficacy compared to traditional methods.
- Further development and application of these models can accelerate the discovery of effective cancer therapies.
