Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
13:34
A Combined 3D Tissue Engineered In Vitro/In Silico Lung Tumor Model for Predicting Drug Effectiveness in Specific Mutational Backgrounds
Published on: April 6, 2016
Deconstructing cancer in 3D: models, mechanisms, and personalized solutions.
Zhao Huang1, Xirui Duan2, Jun Ji3
1West China Institute of Preventive and Medical Integration for Major Diseases, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Molecular Cancer
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) cancer models like patient-derived organoids (PDOs) offer superior recapitulation of tumor complexity compared to traditional methods. These advanced models are revolutionizing precision medicine and drug discovery by better predicting treatment response and modeling therapy resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Traditional 2D cancer models and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) have limitations in mimicking tumor physiology and patient heterogeneity.
- Three-dimensional (3D) cancer models, including patient-derived organoids (PDOs), offer enhanced recapitulation of tumor architecture and patient-specific characteristics.
- These advanced models are crucial for overcoming the limitations of conventional preclinical systems in oncology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the technological landscape of 3D cancer models and their applications in oncology.
- To highlight the role of 3D models in advancing functional precision medicine and drug discovery.
- To emphasize the utility of 3D models in understanding and overcoming cancer therapy resistance.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of various 3D cancer modeling technologies, including PDOs, spheroids, organ-on-a-chip, and 3D bioprinting.
- Integration of 3D models with advanced techniques such as single-cell omics, CRISPR screening, and artificial intelligence.
- Application of 3D models for predicting clinical drug response and modeling therapy resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- 3D cancer models, particularly PDOs, significantly improve the recapitulation of tumor microenvironment (TME) and patient heterogeneity.
- PDO avatars demonstrate utility in predicting clinical drug response, advancing functional precision medicine.
- These models enable the induction, dissection, and therapeutic targeting of therapy-resistant cancer clones.
Conclusions:
- 3D cancer models represent a significant advancement over traditional preclinical systems, offering higher physiological relevance.
- The integration of 3D models with omics and AI technologies is ushering in a new era of predictive oncology.
- Further validation and clinical translation of 3D models are essential for developing truly personalized and effective cancer therapies.
Related Concept Videos
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
02:18Cancer
Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
02:43Mouse Models of Cancer Study
Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...