Semin Cancer Biol. 2005 Oct;15(5):365-77.
Three-dimensional tissue culture models in cancer biology.
Kim JB.
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, First Floor - Breast Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Royal Free and University College London Medical School, Charles Bell House, 67-73 Riding House Street, London W1W 7EJ, UK.
jongbkim2001@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture models have an invaluable role in tumour biology today providing some very important insights into cancer biology. As well as increasing our understanding of homeostasis, cellular differentiation and tissue organization they provide a well defined environment for cancer research in contrast to the complex host environment of an in vivo model. Due to their enormous potential 3D tumour cultures are currently being exploited by many branches of biomedical science with therapeutically orientated studies becoming the major focus of research. Recent advances in 3D culture and tissue engineering techniques have enabled the development of more complex heterologous 3D tumour models.
PMID: 15975824 PubMed