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The Tumor Microenvironment

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System

Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System

Published on: April 23, 2021

Breast cancer models: Engineering the tumor microenvironment.

Gokhan Bahcecioglu¹, Gozde Basara¹, Bradley W Ellis²

¹Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States.

Acta Biomaterialia

|February 12, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Developing advanced 3D tissue models is crucial for understanding cancer biology and improving drug response. Engineered 3D models, including 3D printing and microfluidics, offer realistic tumor microenvironments for preclinical research.

Keywords:

3D tumor models Bioprinting Breast cancer Microfluidics Tissue engineering Tumor microenvironment

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Last Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System

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Orthotopic Transplantation of Breast Tumors as Preclinical Models for Breast Cancer

Orthotopic Transplantation of Breast Tumors as Preclinical Models for Breast Cancer

Published on: May 18, 2020

Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Tissue Engineering
Cancer Research
Oncology

Background:

Cancer initiation and progression mechanisms require elucidation.
Current preclinical models (in vivo, 2D in vitro) have limitations in accurately representing human tumors and the tumor microenvironment (TME).
There is a need for clinically relevant models to study cancer biology and drug responses.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of the breast cancer TME.
To discuss the current state of preclinical breast cancer models, focusing on engineered 3D tissue models.
To highlight promising engineering approaches like 3D printing and microfluidics for creating realistic tumor models.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on breast cancer TME and preclinical models.
Focus on engineered 3D tissue models.
Discussion of 3D printing and microfluidics as key engineering strategies.

Main Results:

Engineered 3D models offer a platform to study cell-cell and cell-material interactions within the TME.
3D printing and microfluidics are promising for constructing models that mimic human tumors.
These models enable realistic mimicry of TME interactions for better drug response prediction.

Conclusions:

Engineered 3D in vitro TME models are essential for advancing cancer research and drug development.
Understanding the TME is critical for successful engineering of these models.
This review benefits biomaterials scientists and cancer researchers in developing and utilizing advanced breast cancer models.