Non-animal glioblastoma models for personalized treatment
Alja Zottel1, Ivana Jovčevska1, Neja Šamec1
1Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma is an extremely lethal cancer characterized by great heterogeneity at different molecular and cellular levels. As a result, treatment options have moved far from systemic and universal therapies toward targeted treatments and personalized medicine. However, for successful translation from preclinical studies to clinical trials, experiments must be performed on reliable disease models. Numerous experimental models have been developed for glioblastoma, ranging from simple 2D cell cultures to study the nature of the disease to complex 3D models such as neurospheres, organoids, tissue-slice cultures, bioprinted models, and tumor on chip, as perfect prototypes to evaluate the therapeutic potential of different drugs. The presence of multiple research models is consistent with the complexity and molecular diversity of glioblastoma. The advantage of such models is the recapitulation of the tumor environment, and in some cases the preservation of immune system components as well as the creation of simple vessels. There are also two case studies translating in vitro studies on glioblastoma organoids to patients as well as four ongoing clinical trials using glioblastoma models, indicating high clinical potential of glioblastoma models.
Insights
Developing reliable glioblastoma models is crucial for advancing personalized medicine. Complex 3D models like organoids show promise for evaluating targeted therapies and translating research to clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Glioblastoma exhibits significant molecular and cellular heterogeneity, necessitating personalized treatment approaches.
- Traditional systemic therapies are insufficient, driving the need for targeted treatments and precision medicine.
- Reliable preclinical models are essential for translating glioblastoma research findings into clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight the diverse experimental models developed for glioblastoma research.
- To emphasize the importance of these models in evaluating therapeutic strategies and drug potential.
- To underscore the clinical relevance and translational potential of advanced glioblastoma models.
Main Methods:
- Overview of various glioblastoma research models, including 2D cell cultures, neurospheres, organoids, tissue-slice cultures, bioprinted models, and tumor-on-chip systems.
- Discussion of the advantages of these models in recapitulating the tumor microenvironment, including vascularization and immune components.
- Examination of case studies and ongoing clinical trials utilizing glioblastoma models.
Main Results:
- A wide array of experimental models exists, reflecting the complexity of glioblastoma.
- Advanced 3D models effectively mimic the tumor microenvironment and disease characteristics.
- Early clinical translation and ongoing trials demonstrate the high potential of these models in patient care.
Conclusions:
- The development of diverse and sophisticated glioblastoma models is critical for advancing personalized cancer medicine.
- These models offer improved platforms for preclinical drug screening and therapeutic evaluation.
- Successful translation of glioblastoma models into clinical practice holds significant promise for improving patient outcomes.
