Microengineered perfusable 3D-bioprinted glioblastoma model for in vivo mimicry of tumor microenvironment

Investigation of tumour environments through advancements in microtechnology and nanotechnology

Cancer has a significant negative social and economic impact on both developed and developing countries. As a result, understanding the onset and progression of cancer is critical for developing therapies that can improve the well-being and health of individuals with cancer. With time, study has revealed, the tumor microenvironment has great influence on this process. Micro and nanoscale engineering techniques can be used to study the tumor microenvironment. Nanoscale and Microscale engineering use Novel technologies and designs with small dimensions to recreate the TME. Knowing how cancer cells interact with one another can help researchers develop therapeutic approaches that anticipate and counteract cancer cells' techniques for evading detection and fighting anti-cancer treatments, such as microfabrication techniques, microfluidic devices, nanosensors, and nanodevices used to study or recreate the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, a complicated action just like the growth and in cancer advancement, and their intensive association along the environment around it that has to be studied in more detail.

Extracellular matrix regulation of cell spheroid invasion in a 3D bioprinted solid tumor-on-a-chip

Tumor organoids and tumors-on-chips can be built by placing patient-derived cells within an engineered extracellular matrix (ECM) for personalized medicine. The engineered ECM influences the tumor response, and understanding the ECM-tumor relationship accelerates translating tumors-on-chips into drug discovery and development. In this work, we tuned the physical and structural characteristics of ECM in a 3D bioprinted soft-tissue sarcoma microtissue. We formed cell spheroids at a controlled size and encapsulated them into our gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based bioink to make perfusable hydrogel-based microfluidic chips. We then demonstrated the scalability and customization flexibility of our hydrogel-based chip via engineering tools. A multiscale physical and structural data analysis suggested a relationship between cell invasion response and bioink characteristics. Tumor cell invasive behavior and focal adhesion properties were observed in response to varying polymer network densities of the GelMA-based bioink. Immunostaining assays and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) helped assess the bioactivity of the microtissue and measure the cell invasion. The RT-qPCR data showed higher expressions of HIF-1α, CD44, and MMP2 genes in a lower polymer density, highlighting the correlation between bioink structural porosity, ECM stiffness, and tumor spheroid response. This work is the first step in modeling STS tumor invasiveness in hydrogel-based microfluidic chips. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We optimized an engineering protocol for making tumor spheroids at a controlled size, embedding spheroids into a gelatin-based matrix, and constructing a perfusable microfluidic device. A higher tumor invasion was observed in a low-stiffness matrix than a high-stiffness matrix. The physical characterizations revealed how the stiffness is controlled by the density of polymer chain networks and porosity. The biological assays revealed how the structural properties of the gelatin matrix and hypoxia in tumor progression impact cell invasion. This work can contribute to personalized medicine by making more effective, tailored cancer models.

3D bioprinted tumor model: a prompt and convenient platform for overcoming immunotherapy resistance by recapitulating the tumor microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Cancer immunotherapy is receiving worldwide attention for its induction of an anti-tumor response. However, it has had limited efficacy in some patients who acquired resistance. The dynamic and sophisticated complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is the leading contributor to this clinical dilemma. Through recapitulating the physiological features of the TME, 3D bioprinting is a promising research tool for cancer immunotherapy, which preserves in vivo malignant aggressiveness, heterogeneity, and the cell-cell/matrix interactions. It has been reported that application of 3D bioprinting holds potential to address the challenges of immunotherapy resistance and facilitate personalized medication.

CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES

In this review, we briefly summarize the contributions of cellular and noncellular components of the TME in the development of immunotherapy resistance, and introduce recent advances in 3D bioprinted tumor models that served as platforms to study the interactions between tumor cells and the TME. By constructing multicellular 3D bioprinted tumor models, cellular and noncellular crosstalk is reproduced between tumor cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) within the TME. In the future, by quickly preparing 3D bioprinted tumor models with patient-derived components, information on tumor immunotherapy resistance can be obtained timely for clinical reference. The combined application with tumoroid or other 3D culture technologies will also help to better simulate the complexity and dynamics of tumor microenvironment in vitro. We aim to provide new perspectives for overcoming cancer immunotherapy resistance and inspire multidisciplinary research to improve the clinical application of 3D bioprinting technology.

A prognostic matrix gene expression signature defines functional glioblastoma phenotypes and niches

Background

Interactions among tumor, immune, and vascular niches play major roles in driving glioblastoma (GBM) malignancy and treatment responses. The composition, heterogeneity, and localization of extracellular core matrix proteins (CMPs) that mediate such interactions, however, are not well understood.

Methods

Here, through computational genomics and proteomics approaches, we analyzed the functional and clinical relevance of CMP expression in GBM at bulk, single cell, and spatial anatomical resolution.

Results

We identified genes encoding CMPs whose expression levels categorize GBM tumors into CMP expression-high (M-H) and CMP expression-low (M-L) groups. CMP enrichment is associated with worse patient survival, specific driver oncogenic alterations, mesenchymal state, infiltration of pro-tumor immune cells, and immune checkpoint gene expression. Anatomical and single-cell transcriptome analyses indicate that matrisome gene expression is enriched in vascular and leading edge/infiltrative niches that are known to harbor glioma stem cells driving GBM progression. Finally, we identified a 17-gene CMP expression signature, termed Matrisome 17 (M17) signature that further refines the prognostic value of CMP genes. The M17 signature is a significantly stronger prognostic factor compared to MGMT promoter methylation status as well as canonical subtypes, and importantly, potentially predicts responses to PD1 blockade.

Conclusion

The matrisome gene expression signature provides a robust stratification of GBM patients by survival and potential biomarkers of functionally relevant GBM niches that can mediate mesenchymal-immune cross talk. Patient stratification based on matrisome profiles can contribute to selection and optimization of treatment strategies.

Heat-inducible CAR-T overcomes adverse mechanical tumor microenvironment in a 3D bioprinted glioblastoma model

Glioblastoma (GBM) presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to the limited efficacy of existing treatments. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy offers promise, but its potential in solid tumors like GBM is undermined by the physical barrier posed by the extracellular matrix (ECM). To address the inadequacies of traditional 2D cell culture, animal models, and Matrigel-based 3D culture in mimicking the mechanical characteristics of tumor tissues, we employed biomaterials and digital light processing-based 3D bioprinting to fabricate biomimetic tumor models with finely tunable ECM stiffness independent of ECM composition. Our results demonstrated that increased material stiffness markedly impeded CAR-T cell penetration and tumor cell cytotoxicity in GBM models. The 3D bioprinted models enabled us to examine the influence of ECM stiffness on CAR-T cell therapy effectiveness, providing a clinically pertinent evaluation tool for CAR-T cell development in stiff solid tumors. Furthermore, we developed an innovative heat-inducible CAR-T cell therapy, effectively overcoming the challenges posed by the stiff tumor microenvironment.

Multi-Sensor Origami Platform: A Customizable System for Obtaining Spatiotemporally Precise Functional Readouts in 3D Models

Bioprinting technology offers unprecedented opportunities to construct in vitro tissue models that recapitulate the 3D morphology and functionality of native tissue. Yet, it remains difficult to obtain adequate functional readouts from such models. In particular, it is challenging to position sensors in desired locations within pre-fabricated 3D bioprinted structures. At the same time, bioprinting tissue directly onto a sensing device is not feasible due to interference with the printer head. As such, a multi-sensing platform inspired by origami that overcomes these challenges by "folding" around a separately fabricated 3D tissue structure is proposed, allowing for the insertion of electrodes into precise locations, which are custom-defined using computer-aided-design software. The multi-sensing origami platform (MSOP) can be connected to a commercial multi-electrode array (MEA) system for data-acquisition and processing. To demonstrate the platform, how integrated 3D MEA electrodes can record neuronal electrical activity in a 3D model of a neurovascular unit is shown. The MSOP also enables a microvascular endothelial network to be cultured separately and integrated with the 3D tissue structure. Accordingly, how impedance-based sensors in the platform can measure endothelial barrier function is shown. It is further demonstrated the device's versatility by using it to measure neuronal activity in brain organoids.

Organoid bioinks: construction and application

Organoids have emerged as crucial platforms in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine but confront challenges in faithfully mimicking native tissue structures and functions. Bioprinting technologies offer a significant advancement, especially when combined with organoid bioinks-engineered formulations designed to encapsulate both the architectural and functional elements of specific tissues. This review provides a rigorous, focused examination of the evolution and impact of organoid bioprinting. It emphasizes the role of organoid bioinks that integrate key cellular components and microenvironmental cues to more accurately replicate native tissue complexity. Furthermore, this review anticipates a transformative landscape invigorated by the integration of artificial intelligence with bioprinting techniques. Such fusion promises to refine organoid bioink formulations and optimize bioprinting parameters, thus catalyzing unprecedented advancements in regenerative medicine. In summary, this review accentuates the pivotal role and transformative potential of organoid bioinks and bioprinting in advancing regenerative therapies, deepening our understanding of organ development, and clarifying disease mechanisms.

Applications of 3D Bioprinting Technology to Brain Cells and Brain Tumor Models: Special Emphasis to Glioblastoma

Primary brain tumor is one of the most fatal diseases. The most malignant type among them, glioblastoma (GBM), has low survival rates. Standard treatments reduce the life quality of patients due to serious side effects. Tumor aggressiveness and the unique structure of the brain render the removal of tumors and the development of new therapies challenging. To elucidate the characteristics of brain tumors and examine their response to drugs, realistic systems that mimic the tumor environment and cellular crosstalk are desperately needed. In the past decade, 3D GBM models have been presented as excellent platforms as they allowed the investigation of the phenotypes of GBM and testing innovative therapeutic strategies. In that scope, 3D bioprinting technology offers utilities such as fabricating realistic 3D bioprinted structures in a layer-by-layer manner and precisely controlled deposition of materials and cells, and they can be integrated with other technologies like the microfluidics approach. This Review covers studies that investigated 3D bioprinted brain tumor models, especially GBM using 3D bioprinting techniques and essential parameters that affect the result and quality of the study like frequently used cells, the type and physical characteristics of hydrogel, bioprinting conditions, cross-linking methods, and characterization techniques.

Converging bioprinting and organoids to better recapitulate the tumor microenvironment

Bioprinting shows excellent potential for preclinical tumor modeling, with significant advantages over 2D cell cultures in replicating the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, the use of tumor organoids in bioprinting models has emerged as a groundbreaking approach to simulate volumetric tumor tissues. This synergetic fabrication method leverages the advantages of the spatial and geometric control of bioprinting to assemble heterogeneous TME components, while tumor organoids maintain collective cell behaviors. In this review, we provide a landscape of the latest progress on the convergence of 3D bioprinting and tumor organoids. Furthermore, we discuss the potential to incorporate organ-on-a-chip with bioprinting tumor organoids to improve the biomimicry and predictability of therapeutic performance. Lastly, we address the challenges to personalized medicine and predictive clinical integration.

Biosensor-Enhanced Organ-on-a-Chip Models for Investigating Glioblastoma Tumor Microenvironment Dynamics

Glioblastoma, an aggressive primary brain tumor, poses a significant challenge owing to its dynamic and intricate tumor microenvironment. This review investigates the innovative integration of biosensor-enhanced organ-on-a-chip (OOC) models as a novel strategy for an in-depth exploration of glioblastoma tumor microenvironment dynamics. In recent years, the transformative approach of incorporating biosensors into OOC platforms has enabled real-time monitoring and analysis of cellular behaviors within a controlled microenvironment. Conventional in vitro and in vivo models exhibit inherent limitations in accurately replicating the complex nature of glioblastoma progression. This review addresses the existing research gap by pioneering the integration of biosensor-enhanced OOC models, providing a comprehensive platform for investigating glioblastoma tumor microenvironment dynamics. The applications of this combined approach in studying glioblastoma dynamics are critically scrutinized, emphasizing its potential to bridge the gap between simplistic models and the intricate in vivo conditions. Furthermore, the article discusses the implications of biosensor-enhanced OOC models in elucidating the dynamic features of the tumor microenvironment, encompassing cell migration, proliferation, and interactions. By furnishing real-time insights, these models significantly contribute to unraveling the complex biology of glioblastoma, thereby influencing the development of more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Microphysiological systems as models for immunologically 'cold' tumors

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a diverse milieu of cells including cancerous and non-cancerous cells such as fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells and immune cells. The intricate cellular interactions within the TME hold a central role in shaping the dynamics of cancer progression, influencing pivotal aspects such as tumor initiation, growth, invasion, response to therapeutic interventions, and the emergence of drug resistance. In immunologically 'cold' tumors, the TME is marked by a scarcity of infiltrating immune cells, limited antigen presentation in the absence of potent immune-stimulating signals, and an abundance of immunosuppressive factors. While strategies targeting the TME as a therapeutic avenue in 'cold' tumors have emerged, there is a pressing need for novel approaches that faithfully replicate the complex cellular and non-cellular interactions in order to develop targeted therapies that can effectively stimulate immune responses and improve therapeutic outcomes in patients. Microfluidic devices offer distinct advantages over traditional in vitro 3D co-culture models and in vivo animal models, as they better recapitulate key characteristics of the TME and allow for precise, controlled insights into the dynamic interplay between various immune, stromal and cancerous cell types at any timepoint. This review aims to underscore the pivotal role of microfluidic systems in advancing our understanding of the TME and presents current microfluidic model systems that aim to dissect tumor-stromal, tumor-immune and immune-stromal cellular interactions in various 'cold' tumors. Understanding the intricacies of the TME in 'cold' tumors is crucial for devising effective targeted therapies to reinvigorate immune responses and overcome the challenges of current immunotherapy approaches.

The Use of Additive Manufacturing Techniques in the Development of Polymeric Molds: A Review

The continuous growth of additive manufacturing in worldwide industrial and research fields is driven by its main feature which allows the customization of items according to the customers' requirements and limitations. There is an expanding competitiveness in the product development sector as well as applicative research that serves special-use domains. Besides the direct use of additive manufacturing in the production of final products, 3D printing is a viable solution that can help manufacturers and researchers produce their support tooling devices (such as molds and dies) more efficiently, in terms of design complexity and flexibility, timeframe, costs, and material consumption reduction as well as functionality and quality enhancements. The compatibility of the features of 3D printing of molds with the requirements of low-volume production and individual-use customized items development makes this class of techniques extremely attractive to a multitude of areas. This review paper presents a synthesis of the use of 3D-printed polymeric molds in the main applications where molds exhibit a major role, from industrially oriented ones (injection, casting, thermoforming, vacuum forming, composite fabrication) to research or single-use oriented ones (tissue engineering, biomedicine, soft lithography), with an emphasis on the benefits of using 3D-printed polymeric molds, compared to traditional tooling.

Engineered 3D ex vivo models to recapitulate the complex stromal and immune interactions within the tumor microenvironment

Cancer thrives in a complex environment where interactions between cellular and acellular components, surrounding the tumor, play a crucial role in disease development and progression. Despite significant progress in cancer research, the mechanism driving tumor growth and therapeutic outcomes remains elusive. Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture assays and in vivo animal models are commonly used in cancer research and therapeutic testing. However, these models suffer from numerous shortcomings including lack of key features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) & cellular composition, cost, and ethical clearance. To that end, there is an increased interest in incorporating and elucidating the influence of TME on cancer progression. Advancements in 3D-engineered ex vivo models, leveraging biomaterials and microengineering technologies, have provided an unprecedented ability to reconstruct native-like bioengineered cancer models to study the heterotypic interactions of TME with a spatiotemporal organization. These bioengineered cancer models have shown excellent capabilities to bridge the gap between oversimplified 2D systems and animal models. In this review article, we primarily provide an overview of the immune and stromal cellular components of the TME and then discuss the latest state-of-the-art 3D-engineered ex vivo platforms aiming to recapitulate the complex TME features. The engineered TME model, discussed herein, are categorized into three main sections according to the cellular interactions within TME: (i) Tumor-Stromal interactions, (ii) Tumor-Immune interactions, and (iii) Complex TME interactions. Finally, we will conclude the article with a perspective on how these models can be instrumental for cancer translational studies and therapeutic testing.

Organoid co-culture models of the tumor microenvironment promote precision medicine

In recent years, the three-dimensional (3D) culture system has emerged as a promising preclinical model for tumor research owing to its ability to replicate the tissue structure and molecular characteristics of solid tumors in vivo. This system offers several advantages, including high throughput, efficiency, and retention of tumor heterogeneity. Traditional Matrigel-submerged organoid cultures primarily support the long-term proliferation of epithelial cells. One solution for the exploration of the tumor microenvironment is a reconstitution approach involving the introduction of exogenous cell types, either in dual, triple or even multiple combinations. Another solution is a holistic approach including patient-derived tumor fragments, air-liquid interface, suspension 3D culture, and microfluidic tumor-on-chip models. Organoid co-culture models have also gained popularity for studying the tumor microenvironment, evaluating tumor immunotherapy, identifying predictive biomarkers, screening for effective drugs, and modeling infections. By leveraging these 3D culture systems, it is hoped to advance the clinical application of therapeutic approaches and improve patient outcomes.

Engineering Mesoscopic 3D Tumor Models with a Self-Organizing Vascularized Matrix

Advanced in vitro systems such as multicellular spheroids and lab-on-a-chip devices have been developed, but often fall short in reproducing the tissue scale and self-organization of human diseases. A bioprinted artificial tumor model is introduced with endothelial and stromal cells self-organizing into perfusable and functional vascular structures. This model uses 3D hydrogel matrices to embed multicellular tumor spheroids, allowing them to grow to mesoscopic scales and to interact with endothelial cells. It is shown that angiogenic multicellular tumor spheroids promote the growth of a vascular network, which in turn further enhances the growth of cocultivated tumor spheroids. The self-developed vascular structure infiltrates the tumor spheroids, forms functional connections with the bioprinted endothelium, and can be perfused by erythrocytes and polystyrene microspheres. Moreover, cancer cells migrate spontaneously from the tumor spheroid through the self-assembled vascular network into the fluid flow. Additionally, tumor type specific characteristics of desmoplasia, angiogenesis, and metastatic propensity are preserved between patient-derived samples and tumors derived from this same material growing in the bioreactors. Overall, this modular approach opens up new avenues for studying tumor pathophysiology and cellular interactions in vitro, providing a platform for advanced drug testing while reducing the need for in vivo experimentation.

Harnessing 3D in vitro systems to model immune responses to solid tumours: a step towards improving and creating personalized immunotherapies

In vitro 3D models are advanced biological tools that have been established to overcome the shortcomings of oversimplified 2D cultures and mouse models. Various in vitro 3D immuno-oncology models have been developed to mimic and recapitulate the cancer-immunity cycle, evaluate immunotherapy regimens, and explore options for optimizing current immunotherapies, including for individual patient tumours. Here, we review recent developments in this field. We focus, first, on the limitations of existing immunotherapies for solid tumours, secondly, on how in vitro 3D immuno-oncology models are established using various technologies - including scaffolds, organoids, microfluidics and 3D bioprinting - and thirdly, on the applications of these 3D models for comprehending the cancer-immunity cycle as well as for assessing and improving immunotherapies for solid tumours.

Tumor-on-a-chip models combined with mini-tissues or organoids for engineering tumor tissues

The integration of tumor-on-a-chip technology with mini-tissues or organoids has emerged as a powerful approach in cancer research and drug development. This review provides an extensive examination of the diverse biofabrication methods employed to create mini-tissues, including 3D bioprinting, spheroids, microfluidic systems, and self-assembly techniques using cell-laden hydrogels. Furthermore, it explores various approaches for fabricating organ-on-a-chip platforms. This paper highlights the synergistic potential of combining these technologies to create tumor-on-a-chip models that mimic the complex tumor microenvironment and offer unique insights into cancer biology and therapeutic responses.

Engineering Heterogeneous Tumor Models for Biomedical Applications

Tumor tissue engineering holds great promise for replicating the physiological and behavioral characteristics of tumors in vitro. Advances in this field have led to new opportunities for studying the tumor microenvironment and exploring potential anti-cancer therapeutics. However, the main obstacle to the widespread adoption of tumor models is the poor understanding and insufficient reconstruction of tumor heterogeneity. In this review, the current progress of engineering heterogeneous tumor models is discussed. First, the major components of tumor heterogeneity are summarized, which encompasses various signaling pathways, cell proliferations, and spatial configurations. Then, contemporary approaches are elucidated in tumor engineering that are guided by fundamental principles of tumor biology, and the potential of a bottom-up approach in tumor engineering is highlighted. Additionally, the characterization approaches and biomedical applications of tumor models are discussed, emphasizing the significant role of engineered tumor models in scientific research and clinical trials. Lastly, the challenges of heterogeneous tumor models in promoting oncology research and tumor therapy are described and key directions for future research are provided.

Glioblastoma preclinical models: Strengths and weaknesses

Glioblastoma multiforme is a highly malignant brain tumor with significant intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The complex signaling cascade that regulates this heterogeneity makes targeted drug therapy ineffective. The development of an optimal preclinical model is crucial for the comprehension of molecular heterogeneity and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. The ideal model should establish a relationship between various oncogenes and their corresponding responses. This review presents an analysis of preclinical in vivo and in vitro models that have contributed to the advancement of knowledge in model development. The experimental designs utilized in vivo models consisting of both immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice induced with intracranial glioma. The transgenic model was generated using various techniques, like the viral vector delivery system, transposon system, Cre-LoxP model, and CRISPR-Cas9 approaches. The utilization of the patient-derived xenograft model in glioma research is valuable because it closely replicates the human glioma microenvironment, providing evidence of tumor heterogeneity. The utilization of in vitro techniques in the initial stages of research facilitated the comprehension of molecular interactions. However, these techniques are inadequate in reproducing the interactions between cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). As a result, bioengineered 3D-in vitro models, including spheroids, scaffolds, and brain organoids, were developed to cultivate glioma cells in a three-dimensional environment. These models have enabled researchers to understand the influence of ECM on the invasive nature of tumors. Collectively, these preclinical models effectively depict the molecular pathways and facilitate the evaluation of multiple molecules while tailoring drug therapy.

3D bioprinted breast tumor-stroma models for pre-clinical drug testing

The use of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has been proposed for the reproducible production of 3D disease models that can be used for high-throughput drug testing and personalized medicine. However, most such models insufficiently reproduce the features and environment of real tumors. We report the development of bioprinted in vitro 3D tumor models for breast cancer, which physically and biochemically mimic important aspects of the native tumor microenvironment, designed to study therapeutic efficacy. By combining a mix of breast decellularized extracellular matrix and methacrylated hyaluronic acid with tumor-derived cells and non-cancerous stromal cells of biological relevance to breast cancer, we show that biological signaling pathways involved in tumor progression can be replicated in a carefully designed tumor-stroma environment. Finally, we demonstrate proof-of-concept application of these models as a reproducible platform for investigating therapeutic responses to commonly used chemotherapeutic agents.

Preclinical Models and Technologies in Glioblastoma Research: Evolution, Current State, and Future Avenues

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary central nervous system tumor and one of the most debilitating cancers. The prognosis of patients with glioblastoma remains poor, and the management of this tumor, both in its primary and recurrent forms, remains suboptimal. Despite the tremendous efforts that are being put forward by the research community to discover novel efficacious therapeutic agents and modalities, no major paradigm shifts have been established in the field in the last decade. However, this does not mirror the abundance of relevant findings and discoveries made in preclinical glioblastoma research. Hence, developing and utilizing appropriate preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the characteristics and behavior of human glioblastoma is of utmost importance. Herein, we offer a holistic picture of the evolution of preclinical models of glioblastoma. We further elaborate on the commonly used in vitro and vivo models, delving into their development, favorable characteristics, shortcomings, and areas of potential improvement, which aids researchers in designing future experiments and utilizing the most suitable models. Additionally, this review explores progress in the fields of humanized and immunotolerant mouse models, genetically engineered animal models, 3D in vitro models, and microfluidics and highlights promising avenues for the future of preclinical glioblastoma research.

A preclinical platform for assessing long-term drug efficacy exploiting mechanically tunable scaffolds colonized by a three-dimensional tumor microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Long-term drug evaluation heavily relies upon rodent models. Drug discovery methods to reduce animal models in oncology may include three-dimensional (3D) cellular systems that take into account tumor microenvironment (TME) cell types and biomechanical properties.

METHODS

In this study we reconstructed a 3D tumor using an elastic polymer (acrylate-endcapped urethane-based poly(ethylene glycol) (AUPPEG)) with clinical relevant stiffness. Single cell suspensions from low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) patient-derived early passage cultures of cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) embedded in a collagen gel were introduced to the AUPPEG scaffold. After self-organization in to a 3D tumor, this model was evaluated by a long-term (> 40 days) exposure to a drug combination of MEK and HSP90 inhibitors. The drug-response results from this long-term in vitro model are compared with drug responses in an orthotopic LGSOC xenograft mouse model.

RESULTS

The in vitro 3D scaffold LGSOC model mimics the growth ratio and spatial organization of the LGSOC. The AUPPEG scaffold approach allows to test new targeted treatments and monitor long-term drug responses. The results correlate with those of the orthotopic LGSOC xenograft mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanically-tunable scaffolds colonized by a three-dimensional LGSOC allow long-term drug evaluation and can be considered as a valid alternative to reduce, replace and refine animal models in drug discovery.

Targeting of endothelial cells in brain tumours

BACKGROUND

Aggressive brain tumours, whether primary gliomas or secondary metastases, are characterised by hypervascularisation and are fatal. Recent research has emphasised the crucial involvement of endothelial cells (ECs) in all brain tumour genesis and development events, with various patterns and underlying mechanisms identified.

MAIN BODY

Here, we highlight recent advances in knowledge about the contributions of ECs to brain tumour development, providing a comprehensive summary including descriptions of interactions between ECs and tumour cells, the heterogeneity of ECs and new models for research on ECs in brain malignancies. We also discuss prospects for EC targeting in novel therapeutic approaches.

CONCLUSION

Interventions targeting ECs, as an adjunct to other therapies (e.g. immunotherapies, molecular-targeted therapies), have shown promising clinical efficacy due to the high degree of vascularisation in brain tumours. Developing precise strategies to target tumour-associated vessels based on the heterogeneity of ECs is expected to improve anti-vascular efficacy.

Embedded Bioprinting of Breast Tumor Cells and Organoids Using Low-Concentration Collagen-Based Bioinks

Bioinks for 3D bioprinting of tumor models should not only meet printability requirements but also accurately maintain and support phenotypes of tumor surrounding cells to recapitulate key tumor hallmarks. Collagen is a major extracellular matrix protein for solid tumors, but low viscosity of collagen solution has made 3D bioprinted cancer models challenging. This work produces embedded, bioprinted breast cancer cells and tumor organoid models using low-concentration collagen I based bioinks. The biocompatible and physically crosslinked silk fibroin hydrogel is used to generate the support bath for the embedded 3D printing. The composition of the collagen I based bioink is optimized with a thermoresponsive hyaluronic acid-based polymer to maintain the phenotypes of both the noninvasive epithelial and invasive breast cancer cells, as well as cancer-associated fibroblasts. Mouse breast tumor organoids are bioprinted using optimized collagen bioink to mimic in vivo tumor morphology. A vascularized tumor model is also created using a similar strategy, with significantly enhanced vasculature formation under hypoxia. This study shows the great potential of embedded bioprinted breast tumor models utilizing a low-concentration collagen-based bioink for advancing the understanding of tumor cell biology and facilitating drug discovery research.

Non-animal glioblastoma models for personalized treatment

Glioblastoma is an extremely lethal cancer characterized by great heterogeneity at different molecular and cellular levels. As a result, treatment options have moved far from systemic and universal therapies toward targeted treatments and personalized medicine. However, for successful translation from preclinical studies to clinical trials, experiments must be performed on reliable disease models. Numerous experimental models have been developed for glioblastoma, ranging from simple 2D cell cultures to study the nature of the disease to complex 3D models such as neurospheres, organoids, tissue-slice cultures, bioprinted models, and tumor on chip, as perfect prototypes to evaluate the therapeutic potential of different drugs. The presence of multiple research models is consistent with the complexity and molecular diversity of glioblastoma. The advantage of such models is the recapitulation of the tumor environment, and in some cases the preservation of immune system components as well as the creation of simple vessels. There are also two case studies translating in vitro studies on glioblastoma organoids to patients as well as four ongoing clinical trials using glioblastoma models, indicating high clinical potential of glioblastoma models.

Application of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting in anti-cancer therapy

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a novel technology that enables the creation of 3D structures with bioinks, the biomaterials containing living cells. 3D bioprinted structures can mimic human tissue at different levels of complexity from cells to organs. Currently, 3D bioprinting is a promising method in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications, as well as in anti-cancer therapy research. Cancer, a type of complex and multifaceted disease, presents significant challenges regarding diagnosis, treatment, and drug development. 3D bioprinted models of cancer have been used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis, the development of cancers, and the responses to treatment. Conventional 2D cancer models have limitations in predicting human clinical outcomes and drug responses, while 3D bioprinting offers an innovative technique for creating 3D tissue structures that closely mimic the natural characteristics of cancers in terms of morphology, composition, structure, and function. By precise manipulation of the spatial arrangement of different cell types, extracellular matrix components, and vascular networks, 3D bioprinting facilitates the development of cancer models that are more accurate and representative, emulating intricate interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment. Moreover, the technology of 3D bioprinting enables the creation of personalized cancer models using patient-derived cells and biomarkers, thereby advancing the fields of precision medicine and immunotherapy. The integration of 3D cell models with 3D bioprinting technology holds the potential to revolutionize cancer research, offering extensive flexibility, precision, and adaptability in crafting customized 3D structures with desired attributes and functionalities. In conclusion, 3D bioprinting exhibits significant potential in cancer research, providing opportunities for identifying therapeutic targets, reducing reliance on animal experiments, and potentially lowering the overall cost of cancer treatment. Further investigation and development are necessary to address challenges such as cell viability, printing resolution, material characteristics, and cost-effectiveness. With ongoing progress, 3D bioprinting can significantly impact the field of cancer research and improve patient outcomes.

Microvascularized tumor assembloids model for drug delivery evaluation in colorectal cancer-derived peritoneal metastasis

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is a fatal state of colorectal cancer, and only a few patients may benefit from systemic chemotherapy. Although hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) brings hope for affected patients, the drug development and preclinical evaluation of HIPEC are seriously lagging behind, mainly due to the lack of an ideal in vitro PM model that makes drug development over-reliant on expensive and inefficient animal experiments. This study developed an in vitro colorectal cancer PM model [microvascularized tumor assembloids (vTA)] based on an assembly strategy of endothelialized microvessels and tumor spheroids. Our data showed that the in vitro perfusion cultured vTA could maintain a similar gene expression pattern to their parental xenografts. Also, the drug penetration pattern of the in vitro HIPEC in vTA could mimic the drug delivery behavior in tumor nodules during in vivo HIPEC. More importantly, we further confirmed the feasibility of constructing a tumor burden-controlled PM animal model using vTA. In conclusion, we propose a simple and effective strategy to construct physiologically simulated PM models in vitro, thus providing a basis for PM-related drug development and preclinical evaluation of locoregional therapies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study developed an in vitro colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis (PM) model based on microvascularized tumor assembloids (vTA) for drug evaluation. With perfusion culture, vTA could maintain a similar gene expression pattern and tumor heterogeneity to their parental xenografts. And the drug penetration pattern in vTA was similar to the drug delivery behavior in tumor nodules under in vivo treatment. Moreover, vTA was more conducive to construct PM animal models with controllable tumor burden. In conclusion, the construction of vTA could provide a new strategy for the PM-related drug development and preclinical evaluation of locoregional therapies.

Micro-engineering and nano-engineering approaches to investigate tumour ecosystems

The interactions among tumour cells, the tumour microenvironment (TME) and non-tumour tissues are of interest to many cancer researchers. Micro-engineering approaches and nanotechnologies are under extensive exploration for modelling these interactions and measuring them in situ and in vivo to investigate therapeutic vulnerabilities in cancer and extend a systemic view of tumour ecosystems. Here we highlight the greatest opportunities for improving the understanding of tumour ecosystems using microfluidic devices, bioprinting or organ-on-a-chip approaches. We also discuss the potential of nanosensors that can transmit information from within the TME or elsewhere in the body to address scientific and clinical questions about changes in chemical gradients, enzymatic activities, metabolic and immune profiles of the TME and circulating analytes. This Review aims to connect the cancer biology and engineering communities, presenting biomedical technologies that may expand the methodologies of the former, while inspiring the latter to develop approaches for interrogating cancer ecosystems.

Microporogen-Structured Collagen Matrices for Embedded Bioprinting of Tumor Models for Immuno-Oncology

Embedded bioprinting enables the rapid design and fabrication of complex tissues that recapitulate in vivo microenvironments. However, few biological matrices enable good print fidelity, while simultaneously facilitate cell viability, proliferation, and migration. Here, a new microporogen-structured (µPOROS) matrix for embedded bioprinting is introduced, in which matrix rheology, printing behavior, and porosity are tailored by adding sacrificial microparticles composed of a gelatin-chitosan complex to a prepolymer collagen solution. To demonstrate its utility, a 3D tumor model is created via embedded printing of a murine melanoma cell ink within the µPOROS collagen matrix at 4 °C. The collagen matrix is subsequently crosslinked around the microparticles upon warming to 21 °C, followed by their melting and removal at 37 °C. This process results in a µPOROS matrix with a fibrillar collagen type-I network akin to that observed in vivo. Printed tumor cells remain viable and proliferate, while antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells incorporated in the matrix migrate to the tumor site, where they induce cell death. The integration of the µPOROS matrix with embedded bioprinting opens new avenues for creating complex tissue microenvironments in vitro that may find widespread use in drug discovery, disease modeling, and tissue engineering for therapeutic use.

Perivascular invasion of primary human glioblastoma cells in organotypic human brain slices: human cells migrating in human brain

INTRODUCTION

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain cancer. Lack of effective therapy is related to its highly invasive nature. GBM invasion has been studied with reductionist systems that do not fully recapitulate the cytoarchitecture of the brain. We describe a human-derived brain organotypic model to study the migratory properties of GBM IDH-wild type ex vivo.

METHODS

Non-tumor brain samples were obtained from patients undergoing surgery (n = 7). Organotypic brain slices were prepared, and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled primary human GBM IDH-wild type cells (GBM276, GBM612, GBM965) were placed on the organotypic slice. Migration was evaluated via microscopy and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

After placement, cells migrated towards blood vessels; initially migrating with limited directionality, sending processes in different directions, and increasing their speed upon contact with the vessel. Once merged, migration speed decreased and continued to decrease with time (p < 0.001). After perivascular localization, migration is limited along the blood vessels in both directions. The percentage of cells that contact blood vessels and then continue to migrate along the vessel was 92.5% (- 3.9/ + 2.9)% while the percentage of cells that migrate along the blood vessel and leave was 7.5% (- 2.9/ + 3.9) (95% CI, Clopper-Pearson (exact); n = 256 cells from six organotypic cultures); these percentages are significantly different from the random (50%) null hypothesis (z = 13.6; p < 10-7). Further, cells increase their speed in response to a decrease in oxygen tension from atmospheric normoxia (20% O2) to anoxia (1% O2) (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Human organotypic models can accurately study cell migration ex vivo. GBM IDH-wild type cells migrate toward the perivascular space in blood vessels and their migratory parameters change once they contact vascular structures and under hypoxic conditions. This model allows the evaluation of GBM invasion, considering the human brain microenvironment when cells are removed from their native niche after surgery.

The third dimension of tumor microenvironment-The importance of tumor stroma in 3D cancer models

Recent advances in the three-dimensional (3D) cancer models give rise to a plethora of new possibilities in the development of anti-cancer drug therapies and bring us closer to personalized medicine. Three-dimensional models are undoubtedly more authentic than traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. Nowadays, they are becoming preferentially used in most cancer research fields due to their more accurate biomimetic characteristics. On the contrary, they still lack the cellular and matrix complexity of the native tumor microenvironment (TME). This review focuses on the description of existing 3D models, the incorporation of TME and fluidics into these models, and their perspective in the future research. It is clear that such an improvement would need not only biological but also technical progress. Therefore, the modern approach to anti-cancer drug discovery should involve various fields.

Glioblastoma-on-a-chip construction and therapeutic applications

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant type of primary intracranial tumor with a median overall survival of only 14 months, a very poor prognosis and a recurrence rate of 90%. It is difficult to reflect the complex structure and function of the GBM microenvironment in vivo using traditional in vitro models. GBM-on-a-chip platforms can integrate biological or chemical functional units of a tumor into a chip, mimicking in vivo functions of GBM cells. This technology has shown great potential for applications in personalized precision medicine and GBM immunotherapy. In recent years, there have been efforts to construct GBM-on-a-chip models based on microfluidics and bioprinting. A number of research teams have begun to use GBM-on-a-chip models for the investigation of GBM progression mechanisms, drug candidates, and therapeutic approaches. This review first briefly discusses the use of microfluidics and bioprinting technologies for GBM-on-a-chip construction. Second, we classify non-surgical treatments for GBM in pre-clinical research into three categories (chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other therapies) and focus on the use of GBM-on-a-chip in research for each category. Last, we demonstrate that organ-on-a-chip technology in therapeutic field is still in its initial stage and provide future perspectives for research directions in the field.

Glioblastoma modeling with 3D organoids: progress and challenges

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive adult primary brain tumor with nearly universal treatment resistance and recurrence. The mainstay of therapy remains maximal safe surgical resection followed by concurrent radiation therapy and temozolomide chemotherapy. Despite intensive investigation, alternative treatment options, such as immunotherapy or targeted molecular therapy, have yielded limited success to achieve long-term remission. This difficulty is partly due to the lack of pre-clinical models that fully recapitulate the intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity of GBM and the complex tumor microenvironment. Recently, GBM 3D organoids originating from resected patient tumors, genetic manipulation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids and bio-printing or fusion with non-malignant tissues have emerged as novel culture systems to portray the biology of GBM. Here, we highlight several methodologies for generating GBM organoids and discuss insights gained using such organoid models compared to classic modeling approaches using cell lines and xenografts. We also outline limitations of current GBM 3D organoids, most notably the difficulty retaining the tumor microenvironment, and discuss current efforts for improvements. Finally, we propose potential applications of organoid models for a deeper mechanistic understanding of GBM and therapeutic development.

Multiple therapeutic approaches of glioblastoma multiforme: From terminal to therapy

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer showing poor prognosis. Currently, treatment methods of GBM are limited with adverse outcomes and low survival rate. Thus, advancements in the treatment of GBM are of utmost importance, which can be achieved in recent decades. However, despite aggressive initial treatment, most patients develop recurrent diseases, and the overall survival rate of patients is impossible to achieve. Currently, researchers across the globe target signaling events along with tumor microenvironment (TME) through different drug molecules to inhibit the progression of GBM, but clinically they failed to demonstrate much success. Herein, we discuss the therapeutic targets and signaling cascades along with the role of the organoids model in GBM research. Moreover, we systematically review the traditional and emerging therapeutic strategies in GBM. In addition, we discuss the implications of nanotechnologies, AI, and combinatorial approach to enhance GBM therapeutics.

Biomaterial-based in vitro 3D modeling of glioblastoma multiforme

Adult-onset brain cancers, such as glioblastomas, are particularly lethal. People with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) do not anticipate living for more than 15 months if there is no cure. The results of conventional treatments over the past 20 years have been underwhelming. Tumor aggressiveness, location, and lack of systemic therapies that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier are all contributing factors. For GBM treatments that appear promising in preclinical studies, there is a considerable rate of failure in phase I and II clinical trials. Unfortunately, access becomes impossible due to the intricate architecture of tumors. In vitro, bioengineered cancer models are currently being used by researchers to study disease development, test novel therapies, and advance specialized medications. Many different techniques for creating in vitro systems have arisen over the past few decades due to developments in cellular and tissue engineering. Later-stage research may yield better results if in vitro models that resemble brain tissue and the blood-brain barrier are used. With the use of 3D preclinical models made available by biomaterials, researchers have discovered that it is possible to overcome these limitations. Innovative in vitro models for the treatment of GBM are possible using biomaterials and novel drug carriers. This review discusses the benefits and drawbacks of 3D in vitro glioblastoma modeling systems.

Scaffold-based spheroid models of glioblastoma multiforme and its use in drug screening

Among several types of brain cancers, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a terminal and aggressive disease with a median survival of 15 months despite the most intensive surgery and chemotherapy. Preclinical models that accurately reproduce the tumor microenvironment are vital for developing new therapeutic alternatives. Understanding the complicated interactions between cells and their surroundings is essential to comprehend the tumor's microenvironment, however the monolayer cell culture approach falls short. Numerous approaches are used to develop GBM cells into tumor spheroids, while scaffold-based spheroids provides the opportunity to investigate the synergies between cells as well as cells and the matrix. This review summarizes the development of various scaffold-based GBM spheroid models and the prospective for their use as drug testing systems.

3D Bioprinting as a Powerful Technique for Recreating the Tumor Microenvironment

In vitro three-dimensional models aim to reduce and replace animal testing and establish new tools for oncology research and the development and testing of new anticancer therapies. Among the various techniques to produce more complex and realistic cancer models is bioprinting, which allows the realization of spatially controlled hydrogel-based scaffolds, easily incorporating different types of cells in order to recreate the crosstalk between cancer and stromal components. Bioprinting exhibits other advantages, such as the production of large constructs, the repeatability and high resolution of the process, as well as the possibility of vascularization of the models through different approaches. Moreover, bioprinting allows the incorporation of multiple biomaterials and the creation of gradient structures to mimic the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this review is to report the main strategies and biomaterials used in cancer bioprinting. Moreover, the review discusses several bioprinted models of the most diffused and/or malignant tumors, highlighting the importance of this technique in establishing reliable biomimetic tissues aimed at improving disease biology understanding and high-throughput drug screening.

A prognostic matrix code defines functional glioblastoma phenotypes and niches

Interactions among tumor, immune and vascular niches play major roles in driving glioblastoma (GBM) malignancy and treatment responses. The composition, heterogeneity, and localization of extracellular core matrix proteins (CMPs) that mediate such interactions, however, are not well understood. Here, we characterize functional and clinical relevance of genes encoding CMPs in GBM at bulk, single cell, and spatial anatomical resolution. We identify a "matrix code" for genes encoding CMPs whose expression levels categorize GBM tumors into matrisome-high and matrisome-low groups that correlate with worse and better survival, respectively, of patients. The matrisome enrichment is associated with specific driver oncogenic alterations, mesenchymal state, infiltration of pro-tumor immune cells and immune checkpoint gene expression. Anatomical and single cell transcriptome analyses indicate that matrisome gene expression is enriched in vascular and leading edge/infiltrative anatomic structures that are known to harbor glioma stem cells driving GBM progression. Finally, we identified a 17-gene matrisome signature that retains and further refines the prognostic value of genes encoding CMPs and, importantly, potentially predicts responses to PD1 blockade in clinical trials for GBM. The matrisome gene expression profiles may provide biomarkers of functionally relevant GBM niches that contribute to mesenchymal-immune cross talk and patient stratification to optimize treatment responses.

Organoids: The current status and biomedical applications

Organoids are three-dimensional (3D) miniaturized versions of organs or tissues that are derived from cells with stem potential and can self-organize and differentiate into 3D cell masses, recapitulating the morphology and functions of their in vivo counterparts. Organoid culture is an emerging 3D culture technology, and organoids derived from various organs and tissues, such as the brain, lung, heart, liver, and kidney, have been generated. Compared with traditional bidimensional culture, organoid culture systems have the unique advantage of conserving parental gene expression and mutation characteristics, as well as long-term maintenance of the function and biological characteristics of the parental cells in vitro. All these features of organoids open up new opportunities for drug discovery, large-scale drug screening, and precision medicine. Another major application of organoids is disease modeling, and especially various hereditary diseases that are difficult to model in vitro have been modeled with organoids by combining genome editing technologies. Herein, we introduce the development and current advances in the organoid technology field. We focus on the applications of organoids in basic biology and clinical research, and also highlight their limitations and future perspectives. We hope that this review can provide a valuable reference for the developments and applications of organoids.

Making In Vitro Tumor Models Whole Again

As a reductionist approach, patient-derived in vitro tumor models are inherently still too simplistic for personalized drug testing as they do not capture many characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as tumor architecture and stromal heterogeneity. This is especially problematic for assessing stromal-targeting drugs such as immunotherapies in which the density and distribution of immune and other stromal cells determine drug efficacy. On the other end, in vivo models are typically costly, low-throughput, and time-consuming to establish. Ex vivo patient-derived tumor explant (PDE) cultures involve the culture of resected tumor fragments that potentially retain the intact  TME of the original tumor. Although developed decades ago, PDE cultures have not been widely adopted likely because of their low-throughput and poor long-term viability. However, with growing recognition of the importance of patient-specific TME in mediating drug response, especially in the field of immune-oncology, there is an urgent need to resurrect these holistic cultures. In this Review, the key limitations of patient-derived tumor explant cultures are outlined and technologies that have been developed or could be employed to address these limitations are discussed. Engineered holistic tumor explant cultures may truly realize the concept of personalized medicine for cancer patients.

Understanding and targeting resistance mechanisms in cancer

Resistance to cancer therapies has been a commonly observed phenomenon in clinical practice, which is one of the major causes of treatment failure and poor patient survival. The reduced responsiveness of cancer cells is a multifaceted phenomenon that can arise from genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors. Various mechanisms have been discovered and extensively studied, including drug inactivation, reduced intracellular drug accumulation by reduced uptake or increased efflux, drug target alteration, activation of compensatory pathways for cell survival, regulation of DNA repair and cell death, tumor plasticity, and the regulation from tumor microenvironments (TMEs). To overcome cancer resistance, a variety of strategies have been proposed, which are designed to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment or reduce drug resistance. These include identifying biomarkers that can predict drug response and resistance, identifying new targets, developing new targeted drugs, combination therapies targeting multiple signaling pathways, and modulating the TME. The present article focuses on the different mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer and the corresponding tackling approaches with recent updates. Perspectives on polytherapy targeting multiple resistance mechanisms, novel nanoparticle delivery systems, and advanced drug design tools for overcoming resistance are also reviewed.

Tumor Microenvironment-Inspired Glutathione-Responsive Three-Dimensional Fibrous Network for Efficient Trapping and Gentle Release of Circulating Tumor Cells

Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is important for early cancer diagnosis, prediction of postoperative recurrence, and individualized treatment. However, it is still challenging to achieve efficient capture and gentle release of CTCs from the complex peripheral blood due to their rarity and fragility. Herein, inspired by the three-dimensional (3D) network structure and high glutathione (GSH) level of the tumor microenvironment (TME), a 3D stereo (3D-G@FTP) fibrous network is developed by combining the liquid-assisted electrospinning method, gas foaming technique, and metal-polyphenol coordination interactions to achieve efficient trapping and gentle release of CTCs. Compared with the traditional 2D@FTP fibrous scaffold, the 3D-G@FTP fibrous network could achieve higher capture efficiency (90.4% vs 78.5%) toward cancer cells in a shorter time (30 min vs 90 min). This platform showed superior capture performance toward heterogeneous cancer cells (HepG2, HCT116, HeLa, and A549) in an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-independent manner. In addition, the captured cells with high cell viability (>90.0%) could be gently released under biologically friendly GSH stimulus. More importantly, the 3D-G@FTP fibrous network could sensitively detect 4-19 CTCs from six kinds of cancer patients' blood samples. We expect this TME-inspired 3D stereo fibrous network integrating efficient trapping, broad-spectrum recognition, and gentle release will promote the development of biomimetic devices for rare cell analysis.

3D bioprinting tumor models mimic the tumor microenvironment for drug screening

Cancer is a severe threat to human life and health and represents the main cause of death globally. Drug therapy is one of the primary means of treating cancer; however, most anticancer medications do not proceed beyond preclinical testing because the conditions of actual human tumors are not effectively mimicked by traditional tumor models. Hence, bionic in vitro tumor models must be developed to screen for anticancer drugs. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology can produce structures with built-in spatial and chemical complexity and models with accurately controlled structures, a homogeneous size and morphology, less variation across batches, and a more realistic tumor microenvironment (TME). This technology can also rapidly produce such models for high-throughput anticancer medication testing. This review describes 3D bioprinting methods, the use of bioinks in tumor models, and in vitro tumor model design strategies for building complex tumor microenvironment features using biological 3D printing technology. Moreover, the application of 3D bioprinting in vitro tumor models in drug screening is also discussed.

3D models of neurodegeneration: implementation in drug discovery

A lack of in vitro models that robustly represent the complex cellular pathologies underlying neurodegeneration has resulted in a translational gap between in vitro and in vivo results, creating a bottleneck in the development of new therapeutics. In the past decade, new and complex 3D models of the brain have been published at an exponential rate. However, many novel 3D models of neurodegeneration overlook the validation and throughput requirements for implementation in drug discovery. This therefore represents a knowledge gap that could hinder the translation of these models to drug discovery efforts. We review the recent progress in the development of 3D models of neurodegeneration, examining model design benefits and validation techniques, and discuss opportunities and standards for 3D models of neurodegeneration to be implemented in drug discovery and development.

Using 3D-bioprinted models to study pediatric neural crest-derived tumors

The use of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has remained at the forefront of tissue engineering and has recently been employed for generating bioprinted solid tumors to be used as cancer models to test therapeutics. In pediatrics, neural crest-derived tumors are the most common type of extracranial solid tumors. There are only a few tumor-specific therapies that directly target these tumors, and the lack of new therapies remains detrimental to improving the outcomes for these patients. The absence of more efficacious therapies for pediatric solid tumors, in general, may be due to the inability of the currently employed preclinical models to recapitulate the solid tumor phenotype. In this study, we utilized 3D bioprinting to generate neural crest-derived solid tumors. The bioprinted tumors consisted of cells from established cell lines and patient-derived xenograft tumors mixed with a 6% gelatin/1% sodium alginate bioink. The viability and morphology of the bioprints were analyzed via bioluminescence and immunohisto chemistry, respectively. We compared the bioprints to traditional twodimensional (2D) cell culture under conditions such as hypoxia and therapeutics. We successfully produced viable neural crest-derived tumors that retained the histology and immunostaining characteristics of the original parent tumors. The bioprinted tumors propagated in culture and grew in orthotopic murine models. Furthermore, compared to cells grown in traditional 2D culture, the bioprinted tumors were resistant to hypoxia and chemotherapeutics, suggesting that the bioprints exhibited a phenotype that is consistent with that seen clinically in solid tumors, thus potentially making this model superior to traditional 2D culture for preclinical investigations. Future applications of this technology entail the potential to rapidly print pediatric solid tumors for use in high-throughput drug studies, expediting the identification of novel, individualized therapies.

Programming 3D curved mesosurfaces using microlattice designs

Cellular microstructures form naturally in many living organisms (e.g., flowers and leaves) to provide vital functions in synthesis, transport of nutrients, and regulation of growth. Although heterogeneous cellular microstructures are believed to play pivotal roles in their three-dimensional (3D) shape formation, programming 3D curved mesosurfaces with cellular designs remains elusive in man-made systems. We report a rational microlattice design that allows transformation of 2D films into programmable 3D curved mesosurfaces through mechanically guided assembly. Analytical modeling and a machine learning-based computational approach serve as the basis for shape programming and determine the heterogeneous 2D microlattice patterns required for target 3D curved surfaces. About 30 geometries are presented, including both regular and biological mesosurfaces. Demonstrations include a conformable cardiac electronic device, a stingray-like dual mode actuator, and a 3D electronic cell scaffold.

Clinical, pharmacological, and formulation evaluation of disulfiram in the treatment of glioblastoma - a systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

Glioblastoma (GB) is one of the most challenging central nervous system (CNS) tumors in treatment options and response, urging the development of novel management strategies. The anti-alcoholism drug, disulfiram (DS), has a potential anticancer activity, and its complex mechanism of action is assumed to be well exploited against the heterogeneous GB.

AREA COVERED

Through a systematic literature review about repositioning DS to GB treatment, an evaluation of the clinical, pharmacological, and formulation strategies is provided to specify the challenges of drug delivery and thus to advance its clinical translation. From six databases, 35 articles were selected, including case report (1); clinical trials (3); original articles mainly representing in vitro and preclinical pharmacological data, and 10 dealing with technological approaches.

EXPERT OPINION

The repositioning of DS in GB treatment is facing drug and tumor-associated limitations due to the oral drug's low bioavailability, unwanted metabolism, and inefficient delivery to brain-tumor tissue. Development strategies using molecular encapsulation of DS and the parenteral dosage forms improve the anticancer pharmacology of the drug. The development of optimized drug delivery systems (DDS) shows promise for the clinical translation of DS into GB adjuvant therapy.

Advancing preclinical cancer models to assess clinically relevant outcomes

Cancer models are indispensable research tools for elucidating the mechanisms involved in tumor onset, progression and treatment resistance. They are key in evaluating therapeutics prior clinical trials. In this editorial, we invite contributions for a BMC Cancer's Collection of articles addressing 'Advances in pre-clinical cancer models' towards relivable outcomes at the preclinical stage.

3D models of glioblastoma interaction with cortical cells

Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) invasiveness and ability to infiltrate deep into the brain tissue is a major reason for the poor patient prognosis for this type of brain cancer. Behavior of glioblastoma cells, including their motility, and expression of invasion-promoting genes such as matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP2), are strongly influenced by normal cells found in the brain parenchyma. Cells such as neurons may also be influenced by the tumor, as many glioblastoma patients develop epilepsy. In vitro models of glioblastoma invasiveness are used to supplement animal models in a search for better treatments, and need to combine capability for high-throughput experiments with capturing bidirectional interactions between GBM and brain cells.

Methods: In this work, two 3D in vitro models of GBM-cortical interactions were investigated. A matrix-free model was created by co-culturing GBM and cortical spheroids, and a matrix-based model was created by embedding cortical cells and a GBM spheroid in Matrigel.

Results: Rapid GBM invasion occurred in the matrix-based model, and was enhanced by the presence of cortical cells. Little invasion occurred in the matrix-free model. In both types of models, presence of GBM cells resulted in a significant increase in paroxysmal neuronal activity.

Discussion: Matrix-based model may be better suited for studying GBM invasion in an environment that includes cortical cells, while matrix-free model may be useful in investigation of tumor-associated epilepsy.