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Updated: Jun 8, 2025
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3-D Cell Culture System for Studying Invasion and Evaluating Therapeutics in Bladder Cancer
Published on: September 13, 2018
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A novel approach to engineering three-dimensional bladder tumor models for drug testing
C U Monjaras-Avila1, A C Luque-Badillo1, J V M Bacon1
1Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Scientific Reports
|November 6, 2024
Summary
This study developed a novel 3D bladder cancer model using decellularized pig bladders and patient cells. The model accurately predicts treatment responses, offering a promising tool for personalized bladder cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Bladder cancer (BCa) presents a significant health challenge, with limited predictive models for treatment.
- Traditional 2D cell cultures fail to replicate the complex tumor microenvironment.
- There is a need for advanced in vitro models that better mimic in vivo conditions for drug screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an innovative 3D in vitro patient-derived bladder cancer tumor model.
- To utilize decellularized pig bladders as scaffolds for creating a more realistic tumor model.
- To establish a reliable platform for preclinical drug testing and personalized medicine in BCa.
Main Methods:
- Pig bladders underwent decellularization using salt solutions, preserving the extracellular matrix (ECM).
- Patient-derived muscle invasive bladder cancer cells were cultured within the decellularized scaffolds using an air-liquid interface technique.
- The 3D model was treated with Cisplatin and Gemcitabine to assess drug screening capabilities.
Main Results:
- Decellularization effectively removed over 95% of cellular material while maintaining ECM integrity.
- The 3D model exhibited histological characteristics similar to in vivo tumors.
- The model demonstrated an 83.3% reliability in predicting treatment responses, outperforming 2D cultures and spheroids.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D bladder cancer model is a significant advancement for preclinical drug testing.
- This patient-derived model shows potential for predicting treatment outcomes and guiding personalized medicine strategies.
- Future research should focus on incorporating immune and stromal components to further enhance model fidelity.
