09. The Right Model for Growing Experimental Tumor Cells
Claudia Fischbach-Teschl
Claudia Fischbach-Teschl, Biomedical Engineering, and a research colleague showed that tumor cells grown in a three-dimensional manner are resistant to cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. The researchers found the behavior of the tumor model more aggressive than those grown on traditional glass slides or in a Matrigel culture, which only partially recreate the aggressive behavior of tumors in the body. The Cornell scientists grew tumors in synthetic, porous scaffolds made of a lab-created polymer called polylactide-co-glycolide (PLG). After injecting the tumors into mice for in-vivo analysis, the researchers discovered that the cells grown in the PLG scaffolds developed into bigger and more aggressive tumors. The researchers were also able to analyze distinct biological functions of the cells, such as the presence of secretions, that might point to the cancer cells’ ability to survive. In order to understand cancer cell behavior, cancer researchers need experimental tumor models that resemble tumors grown in the body. This research may provide an understanding of tumor cell behavior that can be used to develop more effective anticancer drug therapy.