Recreating the extracellular matrix: novel 3D cell culture platforms in cancer research.

Cancer initiation and progression heavily relies on microenvironmental cues derived from various components of the niche including the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM is a complex macromolecular network that governs cell functionality. Although the two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems provide useful information at the molecular level and preclinical testing, they could not accurately represent the in vivo matrix microenvironmental architecture. Hence, it is no surprise that researchers in the last decades have focused their efforts in establishing novel in vitro culture models that mimic tumor and tissue-specific niches and interactions. These numerous 3D culture systems that are now widely available, as well as those still under development, grant researchers with new, improved tools to study cancer progression and to explore innovative therapeutic options. Herein, we report on the emerging methods and technologies in 3D cell culture platforms and discuss their potential use in unveiling tumor microenvironmental cues, drug screening, and personalized treatment.