Table 4.

Advantages and disadvantages of hybrid tumor models.

Model	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages
Embedded ex vivo tumor sections	• Primary tumor sections or biopsies embedded in gel	• Maintains tumor heterogeneity • Patient-specific assay • Mimics outgrowth into surrounding tissues	• Lacks flow through vasculature
3D invasion models	• Tumor cells or clusters embedded in a gel	• 3D microenvironment • Allows real-time tracking of cells • Balance of complexity and experimental control	• Lacks vasculature • Lacks tumor complexity
Avascular microfluidic	• Tumor cells grown in a 2D microfluidic device, typically for the study of migration	• Simple migration assay • Easy to isolate effect of variables • Allows real-time tracking of cells	• Lacks vasculature • Typically lacks 3D environment