Evolution of Metastasis Study Models toward Metastasis-On-A-Chip: The Ultimate Model?

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cancer Research
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Metastasis causes most cancer deaths, yet its mechanisms remain poorly understood.
• Existing models struggle to replicate the complex tumor microenvironment (TME).
• Realistic models are crucial for studying cancer cell dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of metastasis and its unknowns.
• To explore the potential of novel on-a-chip models for metastasis research.
• To highlight advancements in in vitro translational research for cancer pathology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on metastasis phases and current research models.
• Focus on tumor-on-a-chip and metastasis-on-a-chip technologies.
• Emphasis on microfluidics and 3D bioprinting for TME recreation.

Main Results:

• On-a-chip models offer a more faithful recreation of the TME.
• These systems integrate microfluidics and 3D bioprinting.
• The review provides a global vision of metastasis research and new models.

Conclusions:

• On-a-chip models show great potential for in vitro translational research.
• They can advance understanding of the molecular basis of cancer metastasis.
• These models pave the way for personalized medicine and drug screening.