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Three-dimensional in vitro cancer models: a short review
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Three-dimensional in vitro cancer models: a short review

Chengyang Wang, Zhenyu Tang, Yu Zhao, Rui Yao, Lingsong Li and Wei Sun
Biofabrication, v 6(2), pp 022001/1-022001/9
01 Jun 2014
PMID: 24727833

Abstract

Engineering Engineering, Biomedical Materials Science Materials Science, Biomaterials Science & Technology Technology
The re-creation of the tumor microenvironment including tumor-stromal interactions, cell-cell adhesion and cellular signaling is essential in cancer-related studies. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and animal models have been proven to be valid in some areas of explaining cancerous cell behavior and interpreting hypotheses of possible mechanisms. However, a well-defined three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cancer model, which mimics tumor structures found in vivo and allows cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, has gained strong interest for a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This communication attempts to provide a representative overview of applying 3D in vitro biological model systems for cancer related studies. The review compares and comments on the differences in using 2D models, animal models and 3D in vitro models for cancer research. Recent technologies to construct and develop 3D in vitro cancer models are summarized in aspects of modeling design, fabrication technique and potential application to biology, pathogenesis study and drug testing. With the help of advanced engineering techniques, the development of a novel complex 3D in vitro cancer model system will provide a better opportunity to understand crucial cancer mechanisms and to develop new clinical therapies.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Engineering, Biomedical
Materials Science, Biomaterials
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