Cancer-on-chip technology: current applications in major cancer types, challenges and future prospects

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Traditional 2D cell cultures and animal models for anticancer drug development have limitations.
• 2D cultures oversimplify complex 3D tumor structures, while animal models are costly, time-consuming, and raise ethical concerns.
• There is a critical need for more relevant and dynamic in vitro tumor models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of cancer-on-chip (COC) models for various cancer types.
• To highlight the challenges and future research perspectives in COC technology.
• To discuss the potential of microfluidic-based systems in cancer research.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cancer-on-chip models.
• Discussion of microfluidic technology and organ-on-chip systems applied to cancer research.
• Categorization of COC models based on major cancer types (lung, prostate, breast, colorectal, pancreatic, ovarian).

Main Results:

• Various COC models have been developed for major cancer types, simulating key features of in vivo tumors.
• These models leverage microfluidic technology to create sophisticated microphysiological systems.
• The review covers specific applications and advancements in lung, prostate, breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer models.

Conclusions:

• Cancer-on-chip technology presents a promising avenue for developing more accurate in vitro cancer models.
• Addressing current technological challenges will enhance the utility of COC systems in drug discovery and research.
• Future perspectives include further refinement of COC models for personalized medicine and complex tumor microenvironment simulation.