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Published on: January 22, 2021
Three-Dimensional Tumor Models to Study Cancer Stemness-Mediated Drug Resistance
Astha Lamichhane1, Hossein Tavana1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325 USA.
Abstract:
Solid tumors often contain genetically different populations of cancer cells, stromal cells, various structural and soluble proteins, and other soluble signaling molecules. The American Cancer society estimated 1,958,310 new cancer cases and 609,820 cancer deaths in the United States in 2023. A major barrier against successful treatment of cancer patients is drug resistance. Gain of stem cell-like states by cancer cells under drug pressure or due to interactions with the tumor microenvironment is a major mechanism that renders therapies ineffective. Identifying approaches to target cancer stem cells is expected to improve treatment outcomes for patients. Most of our understanding of drug resistance and the role of cancer stemness is from monolayer cell cultures. Recent advances in cell culture technologies have enabled developing sophisticated three-dimensional tumor models that facilitate mechanistic studies of cancer drug resistance. This review summarizes the role of cancer stemness in drug resistance and highlights the various tumor models that are used to discover the underlying mechanisms and test potentially novel therapeutics.
Insights
Cancer stemness drives drug resistance, hindering effective treatment. Advanced 3D tumor models offer new ways to study this and develop targeted therapies for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Solid tumors exhibit cellular heterogeneity, including cancer cells, stromal cells, and signaling molecules.
- Drug resistance remains a significant challenge in cancer therapy, often driven by cancer stemness.
- Cancer stemness, the acquisition of stem cell-like properties, contributes to therapeutic failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of cancer stemness in mediating drug resistance.
- To highlight advanced three-dimensional (3D) tumor models for studying cancer stemness and drug resistance.
- To discuss the potential of targeting cancer stem cells for improved cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on cancer stemness and drug resistance.
- Analysis of studies utilizing advanced cell culture technologies, specifically 3D tumor models.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting cancer stem cells.
Main Results:
- Cancer stemness is a key mechanism underlying therapeutic resistance in solid tumors.
- Three-dimensional tumor models provide more biologically relevant platforms than traditional monolayer cultures for studying drug resistance.
- These models facilitate the investigation of mechanisms driving cancer stemness and the evaluation of novel anti-cancer agents.
Conclusions:
- Targeting cancer stem cells is crucial for overcoming drug resistance and improving patient survival.
- Sophisticated 3D tumor models are essential tools for advancing our understanding and developing effective therapies.
- Further research using these models is expected to yield new therapeutic strategies against cancer drug resistance.
