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3D Modeling of Epithelial Tumors-The Synergy between Materials Engineering, 3D Bioprinting, High-Content Imaging, and
Poonam Trivedi1, Rui Liu1, Hongjie Bi1,2
1Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, 20500 Turku, Finland.
Abstract:
The current statistics on cancer show that 90% of all human cancers originate from epithelial cells. Breast and prostate cancer are examples of common tumors of epithelial origin that would benefit from improved drug treatment strategies. About 90% of preclinically approved drugs fail in clinical trials, partially due to the use of too simplified in vitro models and a lack of mimicking the tumor microenvironment in drug efficacy testing. This review focuses on the origin and mechanism of epithelial cancers, followed by experimental models designed to recapitulate the epithelial cancer structure and microenvironment, such as 2D and 3D cell culture models and animal models. A specific focus is put on novel technologies for cell culture of spheroids, organoids, and 3D-printed tissue-like models utilizing biomaterials of natural or synthetic origins. Further emphasis is laid on high-content imaging technologies that are used in the field to visualize in vitro models and their morphology. The associated technological advancements and challenges are also discussed. Finally, the review gives an insight into the potential of exploiting nanotechnological approaches in epithelial cancer research both as tools in tumor modeling and how they can be utilized for the development of nanotherapeutics.
Insights
Epithelial cancers, comprising 90% of human cancers, require better drug testing models. This review explores advanced in vitro models and nanotechnologies to improve cancer drug development and efficacy testing.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Epithelial cancers account for 90% of human malignancies, including common types like breast and prostate cancer.
- Current preclinical drug testing often fails in clinical trials due to simplified in vitro models that do not mimic the tumor microenvironment.
- Improved drug treatment strategies are needed for epithelial cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the origin and mechanisms of epithelial cancers.
- To explore experimental models that recapitulate the epithelial cancer structure and microenvironment.
- To discuss novel technologies and nanotechnological approaches for epithelial cancer research and drug development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on epithelial cancer origins and mechanisms.
- Analysis of various in vitro and in vivo experimental models (2D, 3D cell cultures, spheroids, organoids, 3D-printed models, animal models).
- Examination of high-content imaging technologies and nanotechnological applications in cancer research.
Main Results:
- Identified limitations in current in vitro models for accurately predicting drug efficacy.
- Highlighted advancements in 3D cell culture models (spheroids, organoids) and biomaterial-based 3D-printed models.
- Discussed the potential of high-content imaging and nanotechnology in enhancing tumor modeling and therapeutic development.
Conclusions:
- Novel experimental models, including advanced 3D cultures and biomaterial-based constructs, are crucial for better mimicking the tumor microenvironment.
- High-content imaging and nanotechnological approaches offer promising avenues for improving epithelial cancer research, drug screening, and nanotherapeutics development.
- Addressing the limitations of current models is essential for advancing epithelial cancer treatment strategies.
