3D approaches to model the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer

Elena Tomás-Bort, Markus Kieler, Shreya Sharma, Juliana B. Candido, Daniela Loessner

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleOtherpeer-review

86 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In tumor engineering, 3D approaches are used to model components of the tumor microenvironment and to test new treatments. Pancreatic cancers are a cancer of substantial unmet need and survival rates are lower compared to any other cancer. Bioengineering techniques are increasingly applied to understand the unique biology of pancreatic tumors and to design patient-specific models. Here we summarize how extracellular and cellular elements of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and their interactions have been studied in 3D cell cultures. We review selected clinical trials, assess the benefits of therapies interfering with the tumor microenvironment and address their limitations and future perspectives.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5074-5089
Number of pages16
JournalTheranostics
Volume10
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

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