Using 3D-bioprinted models to study pediatric neural crest-derived tumors.

Area of Science:

• Tissue Engineering
• Bioprinting
• Oncology

Background:

• Neural crest-derived tumors are common pediatric extracranial solid tumors.
• Limited targeted therapies exist for these tumors, necessitating improved preclinical models.
• Current 2D cell cultures fail to accurately recapitulate solid tumor phenotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To utilize 3D bioprinting to generate pediatric neural crest-derived solid tumor models.
• To assess the viability, morphology, and drug response of bioprinted tumors.
• To compare the bioprinted models with traditional 2D cell cultures for preclinical applications.

Main Methods:

• 3D bioprinting of neural crest-derived tumor cells using a gelatin/sodium alginate bioink.
• Analysis of bioprint viability and morphology via bioluminescence and immunohistochemistry.
• Comparison of bioprinted tumors and 2D cultures under hypoxic conditions and with therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

• Viable bioprinted tumors were successfully generated, retaining original tumor histology and immunostaining.
• Bioprinted tumors demonstrated resistance to hypoxia and chemotherapeutics, mirroring clinical solid tumor behavior.
• Bioprinted tumors grew in orthotopic murine models and propagated in culture.

Conclusions:

• 3D bioprinted pediatric solid tumors serve as a more effective preclinical model than 2D cultures.
• This advanced model can accelerate the development of novel, individualized cancer therapies.
• Future applications include high-throughput drug screening for pediatric solid tumors.