Project information
Ethical and Effective CRC Research: Utilizing 3D Spheroids to Mimic ECM Dynamics and Hypoxic Tumor Conditions

Colorectal cancer (CRC) rates in the Czech republic are among the highest in the world. One of the key contributors to overall tumor invasiveness and progression is the tumor microenvironment, specifically the extracellular matrix (ECM) and hypoxia. Organoids and 3D cell cultures are vital tool in cancer research bridging the gap between the in vitro cell cultures and in vivo animal models. These platforms closely mimic the critical tumor biology aspects, mainly presence of oxygen gradient that creates localized hypoxic regions, cellular diversity, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Such interactions recaputilate the complex crosstalk observed in tumors which is crucial for evaluating potential cancer treatments. 3D spheroids also offer an ethical and cost-effective in vivo model alternative, reducing our reliance on animal testing. These models hold a great promise in advancing cancer research, drug development, and personalized therapy, while enabling high-throughput drug screening.