Strategies for developing complex multi-component in vitro tumor models: Highlights in glioblastoma

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cancer Research
• Drug Development

Background:

• Bioengineered in vitro cancer models are increasingly used to study cancer progression and test therapeutics.
• Advances in cell and tissue engineering provide diverse tools for creating these models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline considerations for developing in vitro models that accurately mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment (TME).
• To highlight the importance of cell sourcing and biomaterial selection for accurate TME modeling.
• To discuss biofabrication techniques for creating complex, reproducible cancer models.

Main Methods:

• Review of cell sourcing strategies for single and multi-cell type models.
• Analysis of biomaterial selection to mimic native tumor extracellular matrix (ECM).
• Exploration of various model form factors integrating cell and biomaterial components.
• Discussion of biofabrication techniques like bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip.

Main Results:

• Specific cell sourcing and appropriate biomaterial selection are critical for in vitro model fidelity.
• Biofabrication techniques enable the creation of complex and reproducible in vitro TME models.
• These models facilitate deeper understanding of cancer biology and drug development.

Conclusions:

• Developing accurate in vitro models requires careful consideration of cell sourcing and biomaterials.
• Biofabrication techniques like bioprinting are key to creating advanced cancer models.
• These models hold significant promise for advancing cancer research and personalized medicine, exemplified by glioblastoma studies.