Three-Dimensional-Bioprinted Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Models in a Mouse Phantom for Radiotherapy Research

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biotechnology
• Radiotherapy Research

Background:

• Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality.
• Current treatments like radiochemotherapy and immunotherapy have improved survival but new options are needed.
• Preclinical radiotherapy testing in animal models presents ethical concerns and species-specific limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D human lung cancer model for radiotherapy research.
• To replace traditional animal models with a more relevant in vitro system.
• To investigate the effects of X-ray radiation on lung cancer cells within a simulated physiological environment.

Main Methods:

• Micro-extrusion bioprinting was used to create a 3D lung cancer model with tumor cells and fibroblasts.
• The 3D model was placed within a 3D-printed mouse phantom mimicking X-ray attenuation.
• Radiotherapy experiments were conducted to assess cytotoxic effects, metabolic activity, cell death, apoptosis, and DNA damage (γH2AX foci).

Main Results:

• The bioprinted 3D model demonstrated selective X-ray cytotoxicity on tumor cells, aligning with 2D cell findings.
• Significant differences in metabolic activity, cell death, apoptosis, and DNA damage were observed in the 3D model within the phantom compared to models without the phantom and 2D cells.
• The study confirmed the model's ability to reveal distinct radiation responses in a simulated in vivo setting.

Conclusions:

• The bioprinted 3D lung cancer model within a mouse phantom offers a physiologically relevant platform for radiotherapy research.
• This approach provides a valuable alternative to animal models for studying radiation effects.
• The model system allows for more accurate preclinical assessment of novel lung cancer therapies.