Dana-Farber-Cancer Institute Inc.

Amir Aref

David Barbie

Russell W Jenkins

Cloud P Paweletz

Elena Ivanova

Kwok-kin Wong

Thanh Barbie

Methods are provided for evaluating tumor cell spheroids in a three-dimensional microfluidic device by determining changes in the relative levels of live cells and dead cells in aliquots cultured under different conditions. Methods are also described for allowing ex vivo recapitulation of the tumor microenvironment such that the in vivo effectiveness of a test compound in treating tumor tissue may be predicted.

Methods for evaluating tumor cell spheroids using 3D microfluidic cell culture device

Provided herein are methods for evaluating tumor cell spheroids in a three-dimensional microfluidic device by determining changes in the relative levels of live cells and dead cells in aliquots cultured under different conditions. Methods described herein allow ex vivo recapitulation of the tumor microenvironment such that the in vivo effectiveness of a test compound in treating tumor tissue may be predicted.

Provided herein are methods for culturing patient-derived tumor cell spheroids in a three-dimensional microfluidic device. The method comprises mincing primary tumor sample in a medium supplemented with serum; treating the minced primary tumor sample with a composition comprising an enzyme; collecting tumor spheroids having a diameter of 10 &#x3bc;m to 500 &#x3bc;m from the enzyme treated sample; suspending the tumor spheroids in biocompatible gel; and culturing the tumor spheroids in a three dimensional microfluidic device. Methods for identifying an agent for treating cancer and microfluidic devices that allow for the simultaneous exposure of the cultured patient-derived primary tumor cell spheroids to a treatment of choice and to control treatment are also provided.

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Malden, MA, United States of America

Amir Aref