Three-Dimensional Manufactured Supports for Breast Cancer Stem Cell Population Characterization

Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women and the second cause of female death for cancer. When the tumor is not correctly eradicated, there is a high relapse risk and incidence of metastasis. Breast Cancer Stem Cells (BCSCs) are responsible for initiating tumors and are resistant to current anticancer therapies being in part responsible for tumor relapse and metastasis. The study of BCSCs is limited due to their low percentage within both tumors and established cell models. Hence, three-dimensional (3D) supports are presented as an interesting tool to keep the stem-like features in 3D cell culture. In this review, several 3D culture systems are discussed. Moreover, scaffolds are presented as a tool to enrich in BCSCs in order to find new specific therapeutic strategies against this malignant subpopulation. Anticancer treatments focused on BCSCs could be useful for BC patients, with particular interest in those that progress to current therapies.