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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Modeling Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue using a Microphysiological System
Published on: April 23, 2021
Adipose Tissue in Breast Cancer Microphysiological Models to Capture Human Diversity in Preclinical Models
Katie M Hamel1, Trivia P Frazier1, Christopher Williams2
1Obatala Sciences, Inc., New Orleans, LA 70148, USA.
Abstract:
Female breast cancer accounts for 15.2% of all new cancer cases in the United States, with a continuing increase in incidence despite efforts to discover new targeted therapies. With an approximate failure rate of 85% for therapies in the early phases of clinical trials, there is a need for more translatable, new preclinical in vitro models that include cellular heterogeneity, extracellular matrix, and human-derived biomaterials. Specifically, adipose tissue and its resident cell populations have been identified as necessary attributes for current preclinical models. Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) and mature adipocytes are a normal part of the breast tissue composition and not only contribute to normal breast physiology but also play a significant role in breast cancer pathophysiology. Given the recognized pro-tumorigenic role of adipocytes in tumor progression, there remains a need to enhance the complexity of current models and account for the contribution of the components that exist within the adipose stromal environment to breast tumorigenesis. This review article captures the current landscape of preclinical breast cancer models with a focus on breast cancer microphysiological system (MPS) models and their counterpart patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to capture patient diversity as they relate to adipose tissue.
Insights
New preclinical models for breast cancer are needed. Incorporating adipose tissue components like adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) and adipocytes improves models for better cancer therapy development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Female breast cancer incidence is rising, with high preclinical therapy failure rates.
- Current preclinical models lack cellular heterogeneity and human-derived biomaterials, limiting translatability.
- Adipose tissue and its cells (adipocytes, ASCs) are crucial for breast physiology and cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current preclinical breast cancer models.
- To highlight the importance of adipose tissue in breast cancer models.
- To focus on microphysiological systems (MPS) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on preclinical breast cancer models.
- Focus on models incorporating adipose tissue components.
- Comparison of microphysiological systems (MPS) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models.
Main Results:
- Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) and adipocytes significantly influence breast cancer pathophysiology.
- There is a critical need for more complex in vitro models that include adipose tissue.
- MPS and PDX models show promise in capturing patient diversity and adipose tissue contributions.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced preclinical models incorporating adipose tissue are essential for advancing breast cancer therapy.
- Microphysiological systems and patient-derived xenografts offer improved approaches to model breast cancer heterogeneity.
- Further development of these models can lead to more translatable cancer therapies.
