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Updated: Aug 1, 2025
3D Cell-Printed Hypoxic Cancer-on-a-Chip for Recapitulating Pathologic Progression of Solid Cancer
Published on: January 5, 2021
Cancer Models on Chip: Paving the Way to Large-Scale Trial Applications
João Ferreira Gil1,2,3, Carla Sofia Moura1,4, Vania Silverio2,5,6
1Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, Marinha Grande, 2430-028, Portugal.
Abstract:
Cancer kills millions of individuals every year all over the world (Global Cancer Observatory). The physiological and biomechanical processes underlying the tumor are still poorly understood, hindering researchers from creating new, effective therapies. Inconsistent results of preclinical research, in vivo testing, and clinical trials decrease drug approval rates. 3D tumor-on-a-chip (ToC) models integrate biomaterials, tissue engineering, fabrication of microarchitectures, and sensory and actuation systems in a single device, enabling reliable studies in fundamental oncology and pharmacology. This review includes a critical discussion about their ability to reproduce the tumor microenvironment (TME), the advantages and drawbacks of existing tumor models and architectures, major components and fabrication techniques. The focus is on current materials and micro/nanofabrication techniques used to manufacture reliable and reproducible microfluidic ToC models for large-scale trial applications.
Insights
3D tumor-on-a-chip (ToC) models offer a powerful platform for studying cancer biology and testing new drugs. These advanced models accurately replicate the tumor microenvironment (TME), improving research reliability and drug development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Cancer poses a significant global health burden, with millions of deaths annually.
- Understanding tumor physiology and biomechanics is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.
- Current preclinical and clinical research faces challenges with inconsistent results, impacting drug approval rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the capabilities of 3D tumor-on-a-chip (ToC) models in replicating the tumor microenvironment (TME).
- To critically discuss the advantages and disadvantages of existing tumor models and architectures.
- To highlight materials and micro/nanofabrication techniques for reliable ToC model development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on 3D tumor-on-a-chip models.
- Analysis of biomaterials, tissue engineering, and microfabrication techniques.
- Discussion of sensory and actuation systems integrated into ToC devices.
Main Results:
- 3D ToC models integrate multiple technologies for enhanced cancer research.
- These models show promise in accurately reproducing the complex tumor microenvironment (TME).
- Focus on materials and fabrication for reproducible and scalable microfluidic ToC applications.
Conclusions:
- 3D tumor-on-a-chip (ToC) models represent a significant advancement in oncology research.
- Their ability to mimic the tumor microenvironment (TME) enhances the reliability of fundamental studies and drug screening.
- Development of robust fabrication techniques is key for large-scale application in pharmacology and clinical trials.
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