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Exploring endometriosis through 3D in vitro models: A narrative review
Cara Juli1,2, Edward Mairura Nyang'au3, Martin Götte3,4
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, 30625, Germany.
Materials Today. Bio
|March 30, 2026
Summary
Three-dimensional in vitro models offer a better understanding of endometriosis, a common inflammatory disease. These advanced models are crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes in reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Disease Modeling
Background:
- Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, causing inflammation and pain due to endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
- Current treatment options are limited, and the disease's pathology is not fully understood.
- Advanced in vitro models are needed to accurately mimic endometriosis for research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize existing 3D in vitro models for endometriosis.
- To analyze the evolution, refinement, and applications of these models.
- To discuss their potential for disease mechanism investigation and therapeutic screening.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed (until July 2025) using keywords like 'endometriosis,' '3D model,' 'organoid,' and 'organ-on-a-chip.'
- Inclusion of original and review articles in English focusing on human or relevant animal models.
- Identification and categorization of six major types of 3D in vitro endometriosis models.
Main Results:
- Six distinct categories of 3D in vitro endometriosis models were identified.
- The review discusses the historical development and current limitations of these models.
- Insights from these models are valuable for understanding disease mechanisms and screening drugs.
Conclusions:
- 3D in vitro models are essential for advancing endometriosis research and understanding its pathology.
- These models have significant implications for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes.
- Future integration into personalized medicine and exploration of novel therapeutic targets are promising.
