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Updated: Jul 20, 2025

Quantification of Breast Cancer Cell Invasiveness Using a Three-dimensional 3D Model
Published on: June 11, 2014
Spatial -omics technologies: the new enterprise in 3D breast cancer models
Lara Pierantoni1, Rui L Reis1, Joana Silva-Correia1
13B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
Abstract:
The fields of tissue bioengineering, -omics, and spatial biology are advancing rapidly, each offering the opportunity for a paradigm shift in breast cancer research. However, to date, collaboration between these fields has not reached its full potential. In this review, we describe the most recently generated 3D breast cancer models regarding the biomaterials and technological platforms employed. Additionally, their biological evaluation is reported, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Specifically, we focus on the most up-to-date -omics and spatial biology techniques, which can generate a deeper understanding of the biological relevance of bioengineered 3D breast cancer in vitro models, thus paving the way towards truly clinically relevant microphysiological systems, improved drug development success rates, and personalised medicine approaches.

