ease of use
|
| level |
+ to ++++ |
− to ++ |
| comment |
- from very simple (2D mono cultures) to relatively complicated (matrix-embedded co-cultures) |
- from technically complicated (tumor models) to difficult to access (patient samples) |
| |
- growth may be followed in real-time |
- some parameters can be followed in real-time. |
| |
- most components readily available |
- tumor material from patients can be difficult to access and variable |
robustness
|
| level |
++ to ++++ |
− to +++ |
| comment |
- more complex models are less robust |
- once parameters are established, mouse tumors are robustly sliced |
| |
- important to quality check all components regularly |
- difficult to quality control human patient material, or reproduce results |
complexity
|
| level |
− to ++ |
++ to ++++ |
| comment |
- maximal complexity tested here included tumor cells, fibroblasts, and ECM components |
- tissue slices encompass the full complement of the local tumor-microenvironment |
| |
- can be increased to include immune cell, vascular, or other tissue components |
- the function of individual compartments within the slice cultures over time require testing |
applications
|
| examples |
- early drug discovery, target validation, resistance markers |
- mode-of- action studies of drug candidates, resistance markers |
| comment |
- complexity of models can be stepwise adjusted to fit purpose |
- tumor heterogeneity may require a large number of tests |
| |
- conclusions from test results limited to chosen complexity |
- slices from patient tumor samples represent closest possible link to clinic |
