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Published on: February 10, 2023
Advances on colorectal cancer 3D models: The needed translational technology for nanomedicine screening
Flávia Castro1, Catarina Leite Pereira1, Maria Helena Macedo2
1I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous and molecularly complex disease, associated with high mortality worldwide, exposing the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Their development and translation to the clinic have been hampered, partially due to the absence of reliable cellular models that resemble key features of the human disease. While traditional 2D models are not able to provide consistent and predictive responses about the in vivo efficiency of the formulation, animal models frequently fail to recapitulate cancer progression and to reproduce adverse effects. On its turn, multicellular 3D systems, by mimicking key genetic, physical and mechanical cues of the tumor microenvironment, constitute a promising tool in cancer research. In addition, they constitute more physiological and relevant environment for anticancer drugs screening and for predicting patient's response towards personalized approaches, bridging the gap between simplified 2D models and unrepresentative animal models. In this review, we provide an overview of CRC 3D models for translational research, with focus on their potential for nanomedicines screening.
Insights
Three-dimensional (3D) models offer a more accurate representation of colorectal cancer (CRC) for developing new therapies. These advanced models improve drug screening and personalized medicine by mimicking the tumor microenvironment, unlike traditional 2D or animal models.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex disease with high mortality, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Current limitations in 2D and animal models hinder the development and clinical translation of effective CRC treatments.
- Reliable cellular models are crucial for predicting drug efficacy and patient response in personalized medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of three-dimensional (3D) models in colorectal cancer (CRC) research.
- To highlight the potential of CRC 3D models for nanomedicine screening and translational studies.
- To discuss how 3D models bridge the gap between simplified 2D systems and less representative animal models.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on colorectal cancer (CRC) 3D models.
- Analysis of the advantages of 3D systems over traditional 2D and animal models.
- Focus on the role of 3D models in mimicking the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its implications for drug screening.
Main Results:
- Multicellular 3D systems effectively replicate key genetic, physical, and mechanical cues of the CRC tumor microenvironment.
- 3D models provide a more physiological and relevant environment for screening anticancer drugs compared to 2D cultures.
- These models show promise in predicting patient responses to therapies, advancing personalized medicine approaches.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional (3D) models represent a significant advancement in colorectal cancer (CRC) research and translational studies.
- The ability of 3D models to mimic the tumor microenvironment makes them invaluable for nanomedicine screening.
- Utilizing advanced 3D models is essential for overcoming current limitations and accelerating the development of effective CRC treatments.
