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And that's the reason for testing a "fresh" live sample of a patient's tumor (3D analysis). Cancer is already in 3D conformation. When you profile cultures "fresh" live in 3D conformation, it measures the function of cancer cells (is the whole cell being killed regardless of the targeted mechanism or pathway). Real life 3D analysis makes functional profiling indicative of what will happen in the body. It tests cells in their three-dimensional (3D), floating clusters (in their natural state - not dead cells, not monolayered cells, not cell lines).
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and Washington University at St. Louis have recently found out, our body is 3D, not 2D in form, undoubtedly, this novel step better replicates that of the human body. Traditionally, in-vitro (in lab) cell-lines have been studied in two-dimensions (2D) which has inherent limitations in applicability to real life 3D in-vivo (in body) states. Recently, other researchers have pointed to the limitations of 2D cell line study and chemotherapy to more correctly reflect the human body.
And other recent studies have shown that three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture models have an invaluable role in tumor biology, 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 tumor 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 tumor models. The surgical specimen is the "personalized" part of personlized cancer medicine. The tissue, carefully excised by the surgeon and analyzed by the pathologist is the source of crucial information that informs the decisions and actions of medical oncologists.
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