Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025
Direct Bioprinting of 3D Multicellular Breast Spheroids onto Endothelial Networks
Published on: November 2, 2020
3D bioprinting as an emerging standard for cancer modeling and drug testing
Diana Molander1, Yordan Sbirkov1, Victoria Sarafian1
1Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Abstract:
Neoplastic diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide accounting for 10 million mortalities in 2020. Despite constantly revised and improved therapeutic regimens, the number of fatal cases increases annually. Therefore, better preclinical models are needed to study tumorigenesis and assess new drugs. Although 2D cell cultures significantly contributed to the understanding of tumor biology, they present high clinical trial failure rates. This is because 2D cannot reproduce the intricate tumor architecture and multiple cell interactions.Nevertheless, novel 3D biofabrication technologies and 3D bioprinted tumor models successfully mirror the complexity of human tumors and are currently revolutionizing preclinical cancer research by using live cells encapsulated in a variety of biomaterials. Since bioinks possess excellent chemical and biophysical ECM-like characteristics, this allows for recreation of the intricate tumor-specific architecture with an unmatched level of control, accuracy, and reproducibility. The resulting cellular constructs approximate actual pathological microenvironment of the tumor and some key in vivo processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis. 3D bioprinted models of glioblastoma, cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer are already being successfully used to study tumorigenesis and cellular response to antitumor drugs. This success showcases the potential of these novel experimental platforms.
Insights
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted tumor models offer advanced preclinical cancer research platforms. These models accurately replicate tumor complexity, improving drug assessment and understanding of cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Research
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Neoplastic diseases cause millions of deaths annually, with increasing mortality despite therapeutic advancements.
- Traditional 2D cell cultures inadequately mimic tumor complexity and cell interactions, leading to high clinical trial failure rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the potential of 3D bioprinted tumor models in revolutionizing preclinical cancer research.
- To emphasize the advantages of 3D bioprinting over 2D cell cultures for studying tumorigenesis and drug efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing novel 3D biofabrication technologies and bioinks to create intricate, tumor-specific architectures.
- Encapsulating live cells within biomaterials that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM).
- Developing 3D bioprinted models for glioblastoma, cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer.
Main Results:
- 3D bioprinted models successfully replicate tumor architecture, cell interactions, and in vivo processes like proliferation and metastasis.
- These models provide enhanced control, accuracy, and reproducibility in recreating the tumor microenvironment.
- Successful application of 3D bioprinted models in studying tumorigenesis and cellular response to antitumor drugs.
Conclusions:
- 3D bioprinted tumor models represent a significant advancement in preclinical cancer research.
- These models offer a more accurate and reliable platform for drug development and understanding cancer biology.
- The technology holds immense potential for improving cancer treatment strategies.
