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3D Tumor Model for Pancreatic Cancer
3D models of human tumors, stroma, and immune cells in a heterogeneous environment can effectively reproduce human disease states, providing more predictive data for developing therapies. Based on extensive experience and high-precision platforms, Alfa Cytology can customize 3D pancreatic cancer (pancreatic cancer) tumor models according to project requirements.
Introduction to 3D Tumor Model
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging cancers due to its aggressive nature and lack of effective therapy options. Traditional two-dimensional cell cultures often fail to capture the complex interactions between tumor cells, stromal cells, and extracellular matrix that influence cancer progression. 3D tumor models provide a more physiologically relevant environment for studying pancreatic cancer. These models simulate the three-dimensional structure of tumors in vivo and better replicate the complex microenvironment of a pancreatic cancer.
Fig. 1 Integrate 3D in vitro models into the drug development process. (Heinrich MA.; et al., 2021)
Developing suitable 3D tumor models is challenging and requires special media, co-culture conditions, and 3D support provided by immunoglobulins, scaffolders, or extracellular matrix components. Not only is this intended to simulate what happens in vivo, but the value also depends on its suitability for drug screening and testing. The benefits of 3D tumor modeling are manifold. Drug efficacy can be evaluated more accurately, responses in vivo can be predicted more reliably, and insights into tumor biology that cannot be achieved with traditional methods can be revealed. These models also pave the way for testing new therapies and conducting preclinical drug screening, ultimately accelerating the development of new therapies for pancreatic cancer.
Fig. 2 Different levels of complexity in 3D cancer models. (Boucherit, N.; et al., 2020)
Our Services
Before conducting in vivo testing in mice, it is necessary to understand more information about anti-cancer therapies, and 3D tumor models can be used for pre-screening cancer therapies. Combining target discovery and molecular characterization technology platforms, Alfa Cytology provides a 3D tumor model to evaluate the efficacy of your project compared to standard therapies. Our 3D cell culture model can support the development of your oncology and immune-oncology therapies and includes a range of immune cell-mediated tumor-killing assays.
Alfa Cytology uses a unique pancreatic cancer organoid model to provide development and validation services for preclinical tumor therapy.
- Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) organoid models
- Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs) organoid models
- Acinar Cell Carcinoma (ACC) organoid models
- Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs) organoid models
The cancer chip model is based on microfluidic chips to create a controlled tumor microenvironment (TME). The chip provided by Alfa Cytology is equipped with a chamber for 3D tumor cell culture.
- Hematogenous metastases of MIA paca-2 pancreatic cancer cells
- Lymphatic metastases of bxpc3 pancreatic cancer cells
- Biomimetic vascular system
Why Choose Us?
Customized solution
Highly-experienced expert team
Variety of preclinical models
Quick turnaround time
Worldwide service
Case Study - The Pancreatic Cancer 3D Co-culture Spheroid Model
- Model Introduction
This three-dimensional (3D) co-culture model serves as a physiologically relevant in vitro platform for investigating tumor-stroma interactions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). It effectively recapitulates key features of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix remodeling, and therapy-resistance mechanisms.
- Model Information
- Model: 3D Co-culture Model of Pancreatic Cancer Spheroids and Stellate Cells
- Cell Components: PANC-1 Cells and Primary Pancreatic Stellate Cells (PSCs)
- Cancer Type: Adenocarcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
- Culture System: TypeI-Collagen-Embedded 3D Co-culture System
- Model Construction
The 3D co-culture model was established according to the following standardized protocol:
- STEP 1: Spheroid Formation – PANC-1 cells were seeded in ultra-low-attachment plates and cultured to form uniform tumor spheroids (TSs) with target diameters of 67-72 μm.
- STEP 2: Matrix Embedding – Individual TSs were collected and embedded at a defined density within a type-I collagen hydrogel to provide a physiological 3D extracellular matrix.
- STEP 3: Stromal Integration – Primary pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were resuspended and seeded into the collagen matrix surrounding the pre-embedded TSs to establish heterotypic cell-cell interactions.
- STEP 4: Culture Maintenance – Co-cultures were maintained for 6-9 days under standard conditions, with medium refreshed every 48 hours.
- STEP 5: Monitoring & Analysis – Spheroid morphology, viability, and stromal-cell distribution were monitored periodically via live-cell imaging and assessed by endpoint fluorescence staining.
Fig. 2 Schematic workflow for establishing a pancreatic cancer 3D co-culture spheroid model. (Source: Alfa Cytology)
- Model Data
- PSC co-culture significantly increased the deposition of type-I collagen and fibronectin at spheroid boundaries (2-to 3-fold increase in fiber thickness).
- Co-cultured spheroids exhibited a higher aspect ratio (1.15 vs. 1.05 in monoculture) and reduced circularity.
- Expression levels of E-cadherin and β-catenin were down-regulated, while Ki-67 expression was up‑regulated.
Fig. 3 Changes in spheroid fiber thickness and expression levels of E-cadherin, β-catenin, and Ki-67 under co-culture conditions. Data are presented as mean ± standard error (SEM). (Source: Alfa Cytology)
In living organisms, cells interact with the extracellular environment, which includes other cell types, ECM, and complex cellular microenvironment. Alfa Cytology utilizes spheres, organoids, and 3D printed tissues to replicate the characteristics of in vivo tissues in vitro culture. Our expert team specializes in generating high-fidelity 3D tumor models that faithfully reproduce the complex tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer. Please contact us for expert advice if you need more about our 3D tumor model.
References
- Heinrich, MA., et al. Translating complexity and heterogeneity of pancreatic tumor: 3D in vitro to in vivo models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2021;174:265-293. doi:10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.018
- Boucherit, N., et al. 3D Tumor Models and Their Use for the Testing of Immunotherapies. Front Immunol. 2020;11:603640. Published 2020 Dec 10. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.603640
