A universal gelfoam 3-D histoculture method to establish patient-derived cancer cells (3D-PDCC) without fibroblasts from patient-derived xenografts

Abstract

Background/Aim: The direct placement of patient tumors in 2-D culture on plastic or glass surfaces has inhibited the establishment of patient-derived cancer cells (PDCCs). The aim of the present study was to develop universal and efficient methods to prepare PDCCs. Materials and Methods: Fragments of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors established form colon cancer liver metastasis (1 mm3) were placed on Gelfoam and cultured in DMEM. Results: PDX tumor fragments were cultured on Gelfoam. Cancer cells migrated from the explant and formed distinct 3-D structures in the Gelfoam. Each of the three PDCCs showed a distinct morphology. The cultures were essentially all cancer cells without fibroblasts, the opposite of what usually occurs in 2-D culture on plastic or glass. Gelfoam cultures could be readily passaged from one Gelfoam cube to anothers suggesting indefinite culture potential. Conclusion: A potentially universal method to establish PDCC using PDX tumors and 3-D Gelfoam histoculture was developed.