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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Microfluidic Co-Culture Models for Dissecting the Immune Response in in vitro Tumor Microenvironments
Published on: April 30, 2021
Tumour-on-a-chip: microfluidic models of tumour morphology, growth and microenvironment
Hsieh-Fu Tsai1, Alen Trubelja2, Amy Q Shen3
1Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan.
Abstract:
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death, albeit enormous efforts to cure the disease. To overcome the major challenges in cancer therapy, we need to have a better understanding of the tumour microenvironment (TME), as well as a more effective means to screen anti-cancer drug leads; both can be achieved using advanced technologies, including the emerging tumour-on-a-chip technology. Here, we review the recent development of the tumour-on-a-chip technology, which integrates microfluidics, microfabrication, tissue engineering and biomaterials research, and offers new opportunities for building and applying functional three-dimensional in vitro human tumour models for oncology research, immunotherapy studies and drug screening. In particular, tumour-on-a-chip microdevices allow well-controlled microscopic studies of the interaction among tumour cells, immune cells and cells in the TME, of which simple tissue cultures and animal models are not amenable to do. The challenges in developing the next-generation tumour-on-a-chip technology are also discussed.
Insights
Tumour-on-a-chip technology offers advanced 3D in vitro models for cancer research. This approach enhances understanding of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and improves anti-cancer drug screening, overcoming limitations of traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of death despite extensive research.
- Understanding the tumour microenvironment (TME) is crucial for effective cancer therapy.
- Current methods like tissue cultures and animal models have limitations in studying TME interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in tumour-on-a-chip technology.
- To highlight the potential of 3D in vitro tumour models for oncology.
- To discuss applications in immunotherapy and drug screening.
Main Methods:
- Integration of microfluidics, microfabrication, tissue engineering, and biomaterials.
- Development of functional three-dimensional (3D) in vitro human tumour models.
- Utilizing microdevices for controlled microscopic studies of cellular interactions within the TME.
Main Results:
- Tumour-on-a-chip technology enables detailed study of interactions between tumour cells, immune cells, and TME components.
- These advanced models offer superior control compared to traditional tissue cultures and animal models.
- The technology provides new opportunities for oncology research and therapeutic development.
Conclusions:
- Tumour-on-a-chip technology is a promising tool for advancing cancer research and drug development.
- It facilitates a deeper understanding of the complex TME.
- Further development is needed for next-generation tumour-on-a-chip systems.
