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Updated: Oct 26, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advanced Ex Vivo Model for Investigating Cancer-Adipose Microenvironment Interaction
Published on: January 26, 2024
3D Models for Ovarian Cancer
Verena Kast1, Daniela Loessner2,3,4,5
1Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Hohe Straβe, Dresden, Germany.
Abstract:
The main reasons for the slow progress in improving survival outcomes for ovarian cancer are the 'one-size-fits-all' therapy and lack of clinically relevant experimental models that represent the advanced stages of the human disease. The interaction of tumour cells with their surrounding niche, the tumour microenvironment, influences the spread of ovarian cancer cells within the peritoneum and their responses to therapeutics. Scientists are increasingly using 3D cell culture models to dissect the role of the tumour microenvironment in cancer development and progression and the treatment of this disease. In this chapter, we will briefly describe the tumour microenvironment of ovarian cancer. Then, we will review some of the clinically relevant experimental approaches, such as spheroid, organoid and organotypic models, that have been developed for the 3D culture of ovarian cancer cells using different tools, including hydrogels, scaffolds and cancer-on-a-chip devices, to mimic selected components of the tumour microenvironment.
Insights
Developing better ovarian cancer models is crucial for improving patient survival. Advanced 3D cell culture techniques help researchers understand the tumor microenvironment and test new therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer survival rates have stagnated due to "one-size-fits-all" treatments and inadequate experimental models for advanced disease stages.
- The tumor microenvironment significantly impacts ovarian cancer's peritoneal spread and therapeutic response.
- Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are emerging as vital tools for studying the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment.
- To review advanced 3D cell culture models for ovarian cancer research.
- To highlight methods mimicking the tumor microenvironment for improved therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment.
- Description of various 3D cell culture models: spheroids, organoids, and organotypic models.
- Discussion of enabling technologies: hydrogels, scaffolds, and cancer-on-a-chip devices.
Main Results:
- The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in ovarian cancer progression and treatment resistance.
- 3D culture models offer a more biologically relevant platform than traditional 2D cultures.
- Various innovative tools are being developed to better recapitulate the complex tumor microenvironment in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Advanced 3D cell culture models are essential for overcoming limitations in current ovarian cancer research.
- Mimicking the tumor microenvironment in experimental models is key to developing more effective ovarian cancer therapies.
- Further development and application of these models promise to accelerate progress in ovarian cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes.
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