Ex Vivo Modeling of Human Neuroendocrine Tumors in Tissue Surrogates
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: Few models exist for studying neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and there are mounting concerns that the currently available array of cell lines is not representative of NET biology. The lack of stable patient-derived NET xenograft models further limits the scientific community’s ability to make conclusions about NETs and their response to therapy in patients. To address these limitations, we propose the use of an ex vivo 3D flow-perfusion bioreactor system for culturing and studying patient-derived NET surrogates. Herein, we demonstrate the utility of the bioreactor system for culturing NET surrogates and provide methods for evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic agents on human NET cell line xenograft constructs and patient-derived NET surrogates. We also demonstrate that patient-derived NET tissues can be propagated using the bioreactor system and investigate the near-infrared (NIR) dye IR-783 for its use in monitoring their status within the bioreactor. The results indicate that the bioreactor system and similar 3D culture models may be valuable tools for culturing patient-derived NETs and monitoring their response to therapy ex vivo.
Source: Frontiers in Endocrinology
Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,950
Funders: National Institutes of Health, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
OpenAlex ID: W4200133704