Narrative review of 3D bioprinting for the construction of in vitro tumor models: present and prospects

Abstract

Background and objective: The conventional in vitro research on tumor mechanisms is typically based on two-dimensional (2D) culture of tumor cells, which has many limitations in replicating in vivo tumorigenesis processes. In contrast, the three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has paved the way for the construction of more biomimetic in vitro tumor models. This article comprehensively elucidates the features of 3D bioprinting and meticulously summarizes its applications in several selected tumors, aiming to offer valuable insights for future relevant studies.

Methods: A literature search was conducted in the databases of PubMed and Web of Science for articles on 3D bioprinting for in vitro tumor model construction.

Key content and findings: This article introduces various 3D bioprinting technologies for in vitro tumor model construction, focusing on their pros and cons, principles, and protocols. Several in vitro tumor models are presented, detailing their utility in tumorigenesis research and their constraints. To date, 3D bioprinting has been widely applied in oncology, addressing the limitation of traditional 2D tumor cell culture in replicating tumor microenvironment (TME).

Conclusions: Advanced 3D bioprinting technology accurately replicates the complex TME and the heterogeneity of intratumor structures, enabling further in vitro tumor studies. It significantly fuels our understanding of tumor pathophysiology and offers new hope for cancer patients.

Keywords: Bioprinting; in vitro tumor models; tumor microenvironment (TME).

Figure 1

Bioprinting process diagram. 3D, three-dimensional; CAD, computer-aided diagnostic; CT, computed tomography; DICOM, digital imaging and communication in medicine; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.

Figure 2

Overview of bioprinting technologies: inkjet, extrusion, and stereolithography-based bioprinting.