Engineering Heterogeneous Tumor Models for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Tumor tissue engineering holds great promise for replicating the physiological and behavioral characteristics of tumors in vitro. Advances in this field have led to new opportunities for studying the tumor microenvironment and exploring potential anti‐cancer therapeutics. However, the main obstacle to the widespread adoption of tumor models is the poor understanding and insufficient reconstruction of tumor heterogeneity. In this review, the current progress of engineering heterogeneous tumor models is discussed. First, the major components of tumor heterogeneity are summarized, which encompasses various signaling pathways, cell proliferations, and spatial configurations. Then, contemporary approaches are elucidated in tumor engineering that are guided by fundamental principles of tumor biology, and the potential of a bottom‐up approach in tumor engineering is highlighted. Additionally, the characterization approaches and biomedical applications of tumor models are discussed, emphasizing the significant role of engineered tumor models in scientific research and clinical trials. Lastly, the challenges of heterogeneous tumor models in promoting oncology research and tumor therapy are described and key directions for future research are provided.

The use of microphysiological systems to model metastatic cancer

“…Microphysiological systems (MPS) are rapidly developing to model a range of both healthy and diseased tissues, including cancer and more specifically the metastatic cascade. There are a vast number of models being developed to focus on many aspects of cancer [9][10][11][12][13], including cancer type, progression, and different steps of the metastatic cascade [14][15][16][17][18].…”

An Overview of Advancements and Technologies in Vascularization Strategies for Tumor‐On‐A‐Chip Models

“…[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] The VToC modeling includes spheroid integration, fabrication techniques, and design variables. Essential components are the specifications of the VToC chip, design factors, manufactur-ing techniques, and the inclusion of spheroids in the model [24] (Figure 1).…”