Exploring Mechanical Features of 3D Head and Neck Cancer Models
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents significant challenges in oncology due to its complex biology and poor prognosis. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models cannot replicate the intricate tumor microenvironment, limiting their usefulness in studying disease mechanism...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Journal of Functional Biomaterials |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4983/16/3/74 |
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| author | Aleksandra Evangelista Franca Scocozza Michele Conti Ferdinando Auricchio Bice Conti Rossella Dorati Ida Genta Marco Benazzo Silvia Pisani |
| author_facet | Aleksandra Evangelista Franca Scocozza Michele Conti Ferdinando Auricchio Bice Conti Rossella Dorati Ida Genta Marco Benazzo Silvia Pisani |
| author_sort | Aleksandra Evangelista |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents significant challenges in oncology due to its complex biology and poor prognosis. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models cannot replicate the intricate tumor microenvironment, limiting their usefulness in studying disease mechanisms and testing therapies. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models provide more realistic platforms that better mimic the architecture, mechanical features, and cellular interactions of HNSCC. This review explores the mechanical properties of 3D in vitro models developed for HNSCC research. It highlights key 3D culture techniques, such as spheroids, organoids, and bioprinted tissues, emphasizing their ability to simulate critical tumor characteristics like hypoxia, drug resistance, and metastasis. Particular attention is given to stiffness, elasticity, and dynamic behavior, highlighting how these models emulate native tumor tissues. By enhancing the physiological relevance of in vitro studies, 3D models offer significant potential to revolutionize HNSCC research and facilitate the development of effective, personalized therapeutic strategies. This review bridges the gap between preclinical and clinical applications by summarizing the mechanical properties of 3D models and providing guidance for developing systems that replicate both biological and mechanical characteristics of tumor tissues, advancing innovation in cancer research and therapy. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9e1c29bc6bea4e3b9140e40c99a8dc4e |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2079-4983 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Functional Biomaterials |
| spelling | doaj-art-9e1c29bc6bea4e3b9140e40c99a8dc4e2025-08-20T02:42:31ZengMDPI AGJournal of Functional Biomaterials2079-49832025-02-011637410.3390/jfb16030074Exploring Mechanical Features of 3D Head and Neck Cancer ModelsAleksandra Evangelista0Franca Scocozza1Michele Conti2Ferdinando Auricchio3Bice Conti4Rossella Dorati5Ida Genta6Marco Benazzo7Silvia Pisani8Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Via Golgi 19, 27100 Pavia, ItalyDepartment of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, ItalyDepartment of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, ItalyDepartment of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100 Pavia, ItalyDepartment of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, ItalyDepartment of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, ItalyDepartment of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, ItalyDepartment of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Via Golgi 19, 27100 Pavia, ItalyDepartment of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, ItalyHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents significant challenges in oncology due to its complex biology and poor prognosis. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models cannot replicate the intricate tumor microenvironment, limiting their usefulness in studying disease mechanisms and testing therapies. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models provide more realistic platforms that better mimic the architecture, mechanical features, and cellular interactions of HNSCC. This review explores the mechanical properties of 3D in vitro models developed for HNSCC research. It highlights key 3D culture techniques, such as spheroids, organoids, and bioprinted tissues, emphasizing their ability to simulate critical tumor characteristics like hypoxia, drug resistance, and metastasis. Particular attention is given to stiffness, elasticity, and dynamic behavior, highlighting how these models emulate native tumor tissues. By enhancing the physiological relevance of in vitro studies, 3D models offer significant potential to revolutionize HNSCC research and facilitate the development of effective, personalized therapeutic strategies. This review bridges the gap between preclinical and clinical applications by summarizing the mechanical properties of 3D models and providing guidance for developing systems that replicate both biological and mechanical characteristics of tumor tissues, advancing innovation in cancer research and therapy.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4983/16/3/74HNSCC3D modelsmechanical properties3D bioprintingcancer models |
| spellingShingle | Aleksandra Evangelista Franca Scocozza Michele Conti Ferdinando Auricchio Bice Conti Rossella Dorati Ida Genta Marco Benazzo Silvia Pisani Exploring Mechanical Features of 3D Head and Neck Cancer Models Journal of Functional Biomaterials HNSCC 3D models mechanical properties 3D bioprinting cancer models |
| title | Exploring Mechanical Features of 3D Head and Neck Cancer Models |
| title_full | Exploring Mechanical Features of 3D Head and Neck Cancer Models |
| title_fullStr | Exploring Mechanical Features of 3D Head and Neck Cancer Models |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring Mechanical Features of 3D Head and Neck Cancer Models |
| title_short | Exploring Mechanical Features of 3D Head and Neck Cancer Models |
| title_sort | exploring mechanical features of 3d head and neck cancer models |
| topic | HNSCC 3D models mechanical properties 3D bioprinting cancer models |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4983/16/3/74 |
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