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Updated: May 29, 2026
Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures
Published on: December 26, 2016
Spheroid screening: A simplified model driving targeted drug discovery and clinical advances
Irina L Sinenko1, Fabien Kuttler2, Kseniya Glinkina3
1Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland; Ophthalmology Department; University of Lausanne, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Lausanne CH-1004, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The increasing number of cancer cases and the prevalence of failed treatments underscore the need for alternative therapeutics and more predictive screening methods. In this context, the field of 3D cultures (termed spheroid, organoid, or tumoroid models) has seen rapid growth in recent years, leading to a range of more physiologically relevant models compared to standard 2D culture methods. However, many of these models face limitations in scalability due to their complex setup, maintenance requirements, and high costs, which restrict their use in drug discovery. In response, we present a simple but robust spheroid model for two distinct types of solid tumors, colorectal cancer and retinoblastoma, specifically designed for high-throughput drug screening. This model is reproducible and cost-effective, utilizing commercially available components and automation. We applied this model to screen chemotherapeutics and used high-content image-based analysis to identify prospective drug candidates. This spheroid model has the potential to advance drug discovery, particularly in challenging areas of cancer research.
Insights
Researchers developed a cost-effective 3D spheroid model for high-throughput drug screening in colorectal cancer and retinoblastoma. This reproducible model aids in identifying effective cancer therapeutics, addressing limitations of current methods.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Rising cancer incidence and treatment failures necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
- 3D cell culture models (spheroids, organoids, tumoroids) offer greater physiological relevance than 2D cultures.
- Existing 3D models often lack scalability and are prohibitively expensive for widespread drug discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, robust, and scalable 3D spheroid model for high-throughput drug screening.
- To create a cost-effective and reproducible model for evaluating chemotherapeutics against solid tumors.
- To facilitate the identification of promising drug candidates for challenging cancers.
Main Methods:
- Established a spheroid model using commercially available components and automation.
- Applied the model to screen chemotherapeutics for colorectal cancer and retinoblastoma.
- Utilized high-content image-based analysis for drug candidate identification.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the reproducibility and cost-effectiveness of the developed spheroid model.
- Successfully screened chemotherapeutics and identified potential drug candidates.
- Validated the model's utility for two distinct solid tumor types.
Conclusions:
- The developed spheroid model overcomes scalability and cost limitations of current 3D culture systems.
- This model shows significant potential to advance drug discovery pipelines for solid tumors.
- It offers a promising platform for identifying novel cancer therapeutics.
