3D-floating Culture for Cancer Research: A Mini-review

Abstract

Unlike conventional two-dimensional cell cultures, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems can more accurately replicate key gene expression and drug sensitivity features of the in vivo tumor environment. Of the various 3D culture techniques, 3D-floating (3DF) culture has the unique ability to facilitate high-throughput screening while enabling both visual and quantitative appraisal of the interactions between cancer and immune cells in the presence of exogenous drugs. In this study, we used this method to evaluate treatment against adhesive and non-adhesive cancer cells and found Pyra-Metho-Carnil to be a promising new anticancer drug for refractory cancers. Thus, in this study, we discuss how the use of 3DF cultures can advance cancer research.

Keywords: Cancer spheroid; KRAS; coculture; drug screening; review; tumor microenvironment.