Human tumor slice cultures for cancer research and drug testing

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models became an important technique in oncology research. These novel 3D techniques permit the investigation of the tumor microenvironment, promising clinical assays to predict patient response and enhanced drug selection for clinical trials. Although early diagnosis and development of new treatment strategies led to improved prognosis, the burden for the patient still remains high, without guaranteed achievement. These biological complex, but necessary models have already been shown significant advancements and need to be narrowly enrolled in cancer drug discovery in the future. Here, the human tumor slice culture is shortly presented with shortcomings, advantages and points to consider, when handling this simple but complex 3D tumor model.