Management and potentialities of primary cancer cultures in preclinical and translational studies

Abstract

The use of patient-derived primary cell cultures in cancer preclinical assays has increased in recent years. The management of resected tumor tissue remains complex and a number of parameters must be respected to obtain complete sample digestion and optimal vitality yield. We provide an overview of the benefits of correct primary cell culture management using different preclinical methodologies, and describe the pros and cons of this model with respect to other kinds of samples. One important advantage is that the heterogeneity of the cell populations composing a primary culture partially reproduces the tumor microenvironment and crosstalk between malignant and healthy cells, neither of which is possible with cell lines. Moreover, the use of patient-derived specimens in innovative preclinical technologies, such as 3D systems or bioreactors, represents an important opportunity to improve the translational value of the results obtained. In vivo models could further our understanding of the crosstalk between tumor and other tissues as they enable us to observe the systemic and biological interactions of a complete organism. Although engineered mice are the most common model used in this setting, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) species has recently been recognized as an innovative experimental system. In fact, the transparent body and incomplete immune system of zebrafish embryos are especially useful for evaluating patient-derived tumor tissue interactions in healthy hosts. In conclusion, ex vivo systems represent an important tool for cancer research, but samples require correct manipulation to maximize their translational value.

Primary Culture of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma: Molecular Characterization and Response to Anticancer Agents

“…However, given that UPS was only recently acknowledged as a distinct pathological entity, there are still no commercial UPS cell lines available [ 29 ]. Thus, patient-derived primary cultures represent the ideal experimental material to study the heterogeneous biology of UPS [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ].…”

The fidelity of cancer cells in PDX models: Characteristics, mechanism and clinical significance

“…Preclinical cancer models are the cornerstone of basic and translational research, and are invaluable for cancer research. Traditional models include cell culture models, murine and nonmurine animal models and cell line‐derived xenograft models . Patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models refer to implantation of a biopsy specimen or surgically resected tumor sample into immunodeficient mice .…”

PEOPLE: PatiEnt prOstate samPLes for rEsearch, a tissue collection pathway utilizing magnetic resonance imaging data to target tumor and benign tissue in fresh radical prostatectomy specimens

“…For example, ex vivo MRI or other imaging techniques can be carried out on fresh tissue quickly following surgery, allowing researchers to more effectively study density and other physical properties than with fixed or frozen tissue . The method we describe here allows techniques such as ex vivo culture, more widely used in breast cancer research, to be carried out to test new drugs or biomarkers . We cultured tumor and benign tissue for 72 hours using the gelatin sponge method and were able to show that untreated tissue postculture had minimal degradation in morphology, proliferation, and apoptosis as uncultured tissue (Figure ).…”