Multicellular spheroids: a three-dimensional in vitro culture system to study tumour biology (original) (raw)

Int J Exp Pathol. 1998 Feb; 79(1): 1–23.

LEONI A. KUNZ-SCHUGHART

1 Institute of Pathology,

MARINA KREUTZ

2 Department of Haematology/Oncology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

RUTH KNUECHEL

1 Institute of Pathology,

2 Department of Haematology/Oncology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Correspondence to: Prof. Dr Knuechel Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany. Fax: +49 941 944 6602, E-mail: ed.grubsneger-inu.kinilk@ekralc-lehceunk.htur

Abstract

The growth of tumour cells as three-dimensional multicellular spheroids in vitro has led to important insights in tumour biology, since properties of the _in vivo_-tumour such as proliferation or nutrient gradients, can be studied under controlled conditions. While this review starts with an update of recent data on spheroid monocultures, especially concerning tumour microenvironment and therapeutic modalities, the main emphasis is put on the spectrum of heterologous cultures which have evolved in previous years. This type of culture includes tumour cell interaction with endothelial, fibroblast or immunocompetent cells. The relation of the spheroid culture model to other types of three-dimensional culture and our critical evaluation and presentation of the technical aspects of growing and analysing spheroids are included in the text. These topics are chosed to help the experimental pathologist design experiments with tumour spheroids and to stimulate discussion.

Keywords: Multicellular spheroids, in vitro , three-dimensional culture system, tumour

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