A 3D-Bioprinted Multiple Myeloma Model

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cancer Research
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy comprising 12% of hematological cancers.
• Current in vitro models often fail to replicate the complex bone marrow microenvironment, impacting research accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-content, 3D in vitro model of multiple myeloma using coaxial extrusion bioprinting.
• To create a human bone marrow-like microenvironment for improved MM cell culture and drug testing.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D bioprinted model with a mineral-containing sheath and hydrogel core.
• Co-culture of MM cells with HS5 stromal cells to simulate bone marrow conditions and interleukin-6 (IL-6) release.
• Investigation of bortezomib efficacy and tocilizumab's role in enhancing chemosensitivity via IL-6 receptor inhibition.

Main Results:

• The 3D model demonstrated superior MM cell behavior and drug response compared to 2D cultures.
• Patient-derived MM cells maintained viability for up to 7 days in the 3D model, unlike in planar cultures where they died within 5 days.
• Tocilizumab showed potential in enhancing bortezomib's efficacy by inhibiting IL-6 receptor.

Conclusions:

• A 3D bioprinted multiple myeloma model successfully emulates key bone marrow characteristics.
• This model enhances MM cell proliferation and offers new avenues for drug development and personalized therapy research.
• The study highlights the potential of bioprinting for creating more physiologically relevant cancer models.