In vitro Approaches to Model Breast Tumor Complexity

Abstract

Cell culture technologies have provided biomedical researchers with fast and accessible tools to probe the breast tumor microenvironment. Exponential progress in fabrication methods combined with multiparametric approaches have enabled the development of cell culture model systems with enhanced biological complexity to identify key aspects that regulate breast cancer (BC) progression and therapeutic response. Yet, the culture parameters and conditions employed influence the behavior of tumor cells, thereby affecting its tissue biomimetic capabilities. In this chapter we review the wide range of culture platforms employed for the generation of breast tumor models and summarize their biomimetic capabilities, advantages, disadvantages and specific applications.