3-D Breast Cancer Models: Tumor Response to Collagen Concentration

Overview

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, with breast cancer being the most common type of non-skin malignancy in women. The tumor microenvironment (TME) and extracellular matrix (ECM) play a crucial role in cancer progression and metastasis. Collagen is a major component of the TME and ECM. Type I collagen has been shown to influence tumor cell behavior and may play a role in cancer progression and metastasis. The mechanisms by which collagen influences tumor cell behavior are not fully understood. This study investigates the role of collagen concentration in the early stages of tumor development using a 3-D in vitro model of the tumor microenvironment. Tumor spheroids were prepared using the hanging droplet method and incubated with collagen gels of varying concentrations. Cell viability was assessed using an alamarBlue assay and results showed that tumor spheroids present in higher concentrations of collagen were able to progress more quickly than those present in low concentrations. One limitation of this study is its focus on the interactions between collagen concentration and tumors only in early stages of development. Future research should study these interactions over a longer period of time or during a later stage of development, as well as potential investigation of the effects of chemotherapy drugs on spheroids within varying concentrations of collagen.

Competition history

• AJAS 2024 Category not listed

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