Cancer-on-chip models for metastasis: importance of the tumor microenvironment

Mohammad Jouybar, Charlotte M. de Winde, Katarina Wolf, Peter Friedl, Reina E. Mebius, Jaap M. J. den Toonder

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Cancer-on-chip (CoC) models, based on microfluidic chips harboring chambers for 3D tumor-cell culture, enable us to create a controlled tumor microenvironment (TME). CoC models are therefore increasingly used to systematically study effects of the TME on the various steps in cancer metastasis. Moreover, CoC models have great potential for developing novel cancer therapies and for predicting patient-specific response to cancer treatments. We review recent developments in CoC models, focusing on three main TME components: (i) the anisotropic extracellular matrix (ECM) architectures, (ii) the vasculature, and (iii) the immune system. We aim to provide guidance to biologists to choose the best CoC approach for addressing questions about the role of the TME in metastasis, and to inspire engineers to develop novel CoC technologies.
Original languageEnglish
JournalTrends in biotechnology
Early online date2023
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 2023

Keywords

  • Cancer-on-chip
  • extracellular matrix
  • immune system
  • tumor microenvironment
  • vasculature

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