NYC Gazette

Clusters of tumor cells, marked with red fluorescence, were cultivated inside a transparent jelly-like structure and surrounded by macrophages labeled in green. The research compared tumor cells grown under normal conditions to those grown in nutrient- and oxygen-scarce environments within the 3MIC model. This resulted in significant differences in metastatic behavior: minimal migration was observed in the normally cultured cells, while the deprived cluster showed extensive migratory activity.

Researchers have developed a 3D-printed model to replicate conditions that promote cancer cell spread. Published in Life Science Alliance, this model allows for studying previously unobservable processes and could lead to new screening and treatment methods for cancers prone to metastasis.

Carlos Carmona-Fontaine, an associate professor at New York University and senior author of the study, emphasized the potential impact: “Studying the moment where and when a relatively passive tumor cell acquires the ability to move and metastasize could be a game changer for cancer treatment.” He noted that directly observing this transition has been nearly impossible until now.

Metastatic cells typically originate from areas deep within tumors where resources are scarce. These conditions are critical for triggering metastases but challenging to observe directly due to their location within hard-to-reach regions of tumors.

To address this issue, researchers created a tiny tumor model named "3MIC" (3D microenvironment chamber) that mimics these specific conditions. The 3MIC uses live microscopy for real-time imaging of malignant cell evolution. The unique geometry designed through 3D printing allows detailed observation of nutrient-starved cells.

Carmona-Fontaine highlighted an important aspect: “One of the most important conditions in the emergence of metastasis—this lack of nutrients and oxygen—was also one of the most difficult to recreate and probably the most important innovation of the 3MIC.”

The 3MIC also facilitated adding other cell types like macrophages and fibroblasts known to interact with tumors during metastasis. This enabled researchers to examine how tumor cells migrate, invade, and interact under varying metabolic conditions.

In their study published in Life Science Alliance, researchers confirmed that factors promoting metastasis such as low oxygen levels are relevant within the 3MIC. They found evidence suggesting low oxygen may indirectly encourage metastasis by lowering local pH levels, making them more acidic.

Additionally, they discovered that chemotherapy drugs like Taxol were ineffective against resource-deprived tumor cells despite being effective under normal conditions. This suggests metastatic cancers' lower drug response might stem from intrinsic changes rendering them more resistant rather than reduced drug concentration—a distinction previously hard to measure.

Carmona-Fontaine explained: “In other words, the conditions we observe in the 3MIC may create an environment that protects tumors from at least some treatments which may help us begin explaining why metastases are so difficult treat.”

With their findings using 3MIC underway researchers aim identifying early signs predicting cancer spread potentially serving diagnostic tools testing therapeutic targets interrupting process before it begins spreading further into body organs beyond original site itself altogether ultimately saving lives countless patients worldwide today tomorrow alike hopefully someday soon enough indeed!

Study authors include Libi Anandi Jeremy Garcia Manon Ros Libuše Janská Josephine Liu NYU’s Center Genomics Systems Biology supported National Cancer Institute American Society Pew Charitable Trust National Institute General Medical Sciences