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Updated: Jul 7, 2025
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A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
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In Vitro Three-Dimensional (3D) Models for Melanoma Immunotherapy.
Gemma Nomdedeu-Sancho1, Anastasiya Gorkun1, Naresh Mahajan1
1Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27101, USA.
Cancers
|December 23, 2023
Summary
Developing advanced 3D in vitro models of melanoma is crucial for understanding immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) resistance. These models will help predict treatment outcomes and improve personalized melanoma therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Melanoma causes most skin cancer deaths.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improve survival but face response and resistance issues.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) influences melanoma growth and immune evasion, impacting therapy efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review in vitro 3D models for simulating melanoma and its TME.
- To explore methods for incorporating immune components into these models.
- To discuss the potential of these models for testing immunotherapies and understanding resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 3D in vitro models for normal skin and melanoma.
- Analysis of approaches to integrate the immune compartment into melanoma models.
- Discussion on combining constructs for immunotherapy testing and resistance studies.
Main Results:
- Current 3D models aim to mimic melanoma tissue and TME.
- Incorporating the melanoma immune component into in vitro models remains challenging.
- Various models like organoids, bioprinted tissues, and microfluidic devices are being developed.
Conclusions:
- Advanced 3D in vitro melanoma models are needed to replicate TME complexity.
- These models can elucidate immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance mechanisms.
- Development of such models will enhance immunotherapy efficacy and personalized melanoma treatment.
