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Researchers at IIT Bombay have come to the conclusion that a three-dimensional model, or 3D, could be more effective than the two-dimensional laboratory model used so far for cancer research. This research is being considered a milestone in cancer research. The researchers said that the study used a 3D tumorigenic model of the aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma and a soft environment similar to the brain to clearly show the true nature of the cancer and the biological processes behind it. The research was conducted by Prof. Abhijit Majumdar’s Mechanobiology Laboratory at IIT Bombay in collaboration with the Tata Memorial Centre and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. The research compared cancer cells grown on conventional hard plastic surfaces and three-dimensional tumorigenic models. (Photo courtesy – istock)

3D model to test effectiveness

The researchers found that the levels of cancer- molecules NEAT1 and MALAT1 were significantly increased in cells grown in 3D tumoroids. The experiments also showed that when these molecules were controlled, the growth, spread and aggressiveness of the cancer cells were reduced. In contrast, these important changes were not clearly seen in the traditional 2D model.

According to the researchers, cancer in the real body is three-dimensional. Therefore, research on a flat surface often does not show the full picture of the disease. Tumoroids provide a more realistic picture of cell interactions, growth and spread. Therefore, the use of 3D models may be more useful in the future to test the effectiveness of cancer drugs and discover new drug targets.

Joint research success

• Joint research by IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre and IISc.
• Comparative test of ‘2D’ and ‘3D models’.

“Not only genes, but also the physical environment of cells play an equally important role in understanding the behavior of cancer. Therefore, it may be necessary to include soft gels and 3D tumoroids in future cancer research,” said Prof. Abhijit Majumdar.

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