Bioengineering facets of the tumor microenvironment in 3D tumor models: insights into cellular, biophysical and biochemical interactions

The hallmarks of cancer extend beyond genetic anomalies to encompass a sophisticated tumor microenvironment, involving interactions between cancer and non-cancer cells within a dynamic biophysical setting, influencing cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment is multifaceted, and it is increasingly clear that the interaction and interdependence of these different facets need to be better understood. Tissue engineering of 3D in vitro models of the tumor microenvironment provides an opportunity to study these interactions and their interdependence on cancer progression. Cancer metastasis still poses a major challenge, accounting for 90% of cancer-related deaths. This accentuates the critical need to establish patient-specific model systems that replicate tumor complexity at all stages of progression. Herein, we outline the latest advancements of in vitro 3D models of the tumor microenvironment and the different tools utilized to analyze such models. Henceforth, the interaction of the multifaceted tumor microenvironment can be elucidated using such sophisticated in vitro tools.