Miniaturized three-dimensional cancer model for drug evaluation.

A more relevant in vitro cell culture model that closely mimics tumor biology and provides better predictive information on anticancer therapies has been the focus of much attention in recent years. We have developed a three-dimensional (3D) human tumor cell culture model that attempts to recreate the in vivo microenvironment and tumor biology in a miniaturized 384-well plate format. This model aims to exploit the potential of 3D cell culture as a screening tool for novel therapeutics for discovery programs. Here we have evaluated a Matrigel™ based induction of 3D tumor formation using standard labware and plate reading equipment. We have demonstrated that with an optimized protocol, reproducible proliferation, and cell viability data can be obtained across a range of cell lines and reagent batches. A panel of reference drugs was used to validate the suitability of the assays for a high throughput drug discovery program. Indicators of assay reproducibility, such as Z'-factor and coefficient of variation, as well as dose response curves confirmed the robustness of the assays. Several methods of drug activity determination were examined, including metabolic and imaging based assays. These data demonstrate this model as a robust tool for drug discovery bridging the gap between monolayer cell culture and animal models, providing insights into drug efficacy at an earlier time point, ultimately reducing costs and high attrition rates.