Table 1 Heterotypic spheroid-based tumor models
From: Modelling the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment: 3D tumor spheroids as an evolving tool
3D culture model | Culture technique | Strengths | Weaknesses | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Multicellular tumor spheroid | - Use of ultra-low adhesion substrates (e.g. polystyrene culture plates) | -Metabolic and proliferative gradients similar in vivo -Clonality -Easy Maintenance -Ease of genetic manipulation | -Make use of FBS culture conditions -Originated from cell lines | |
Tissue derived tumor sphere | -Partial digestion of cancer tissues into small fragments that form in spherical structures | -Serum-free culture -Native cell–cell contract is maintained -Maintenance of histological characteristics -Preservation of genetic phenotype and metastatic properties | -Deprived of stromal cells | |
Tumorsphere | -Mechanical and enzymatic dissociation of tumor samples into single cell suspensions | -Useful system to study CSC -Serum-free culture conditions | -Lack to fully recapitulate the TME -Require specific factors to favor stem cells growth | [113] |
Organotypic multicellular spheroid | -Formed by excised tumors but without tissue digestion | -May be cryopreserved while maintaining their histological characteristics -Highly similar to native tumor tissues -High cellular heterogeneity -Presence of vascular, immune and stromal fractions | -Dependent on a low-adhesion substrate (e.g. agarose) for spheroid formation |