3D bioprinted cancer models: from basic biology to drug development.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cancer Research
• Drug Development

Background:

• Current drug development for cancer faces challenges in translating preclinical findings to clinical benefits.
• Traditional 2D cell cultures on plastic plates do not fully replicate the complex tumor microenvironment.
• There is a critical need for more effective anticancer therapeutics and accurate methods to predict their clinical efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the state-of-the-art in 3D bioprinted cancer models.
• To highlight the potential of these models in advancing cancer biology understanding and drug discovery.
• To discuss the clinical translatability and robustness of 3D bioprinted cancer models.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on 3D bioprinted cancer models.
• Focus on biological processes, molecular mechanisms in cancer progression, and treatment response.
• Analysis of proteomic and genomic signatures in 3D cancer models.

Main Results:

• 3D bioprinted cancer models accurately mimic the complex cellular heterogeneity and extracellular matrix of solid tumors.
• These models provide a more relevant platform for studying cancer biology compared to 2D cultures.
• 3D bioprinted models demonstrate potential for accurate drug screening, target identification, and personalized therapy development.

Conclusions:

• Advanced 3D bioprinted cancer models are revolutionizing cancer research and drug development.
• These ex vivo models offer a reproducible, clinically translatable alternative to existing in vitro and in vivo systems.
• A profound understanding of 3D bioprinted models is essential for improving anticancer therapies and potentially reducing reliance on animal models.