Drug Efficacy Test

In the field of cancer research and drug development, traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture technology has long been widely used for drug screening and other experiments. Although this method is easy to use and cost-effective, it fails to effectively simulate the complex environment of tumors in vivo. Real tumors grow in three dimensions, with specific tissue architecture and cell-to-cell interactions. As a result, the findings obtained from 2D cultures often do not correlate with actual clinical outcomes, leading to a high failure rate of drugs in clinical trials. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) model technology has demonstrated significant advantages in drug development and is gradually becoming a research hotspot.

Fig. 1. Schematic representation of the main differences between 2D and 3D cell cultures (Salinas-Vera YM, Valdés J, et al., 2022).

Creative Bioarray uses 3D in vitro models for drug efficacy testing, which more accurately simulate the in vivo tumor environment. These models account for factors such as cell-cell interactions, hypoxia, drug penetration, response and resistance, and the production anddeposition of extracellular matrix, thereby providing more reliable preliminary data support for drug development.

Advantages of 3D in vitro model testing

More accurately simulates the in vivo environment and cell-cell interactions.
Improved prediction of drug response compared to 2D cultures.
Reduced use of animals in preclinical testing.
High-throughput screening capabilities for testing multiple drug candidates.

Workflow

Sample preparation

Based on the client's research needs, we develop a research plan and select appropriate cell lines.

3D model generation

3D cell models are constructed using our 3D cell culture technology.

Drug exposure

Test drugs are added to the 3D cell models with varying concentrations and treatment times based on research requirements.

Assessment of drug efficacy

During and after drug treatment, we employ a variety of advanced detection technologies and instruments, including, but not limited to, cell viability assays, proliferation and apoptosis analysis, and microscopic imaging techniques, to collect data on the cell status and drug response of the 3D tumor models.

Data analysis

Bioinformatics analysis methods and software are employed for in-depth data analysis, assessing the drug's efficacy on the 3D tumor model, such as its ability to inhibit tumor growth and induce apoptosis. Detailed data analysis reports are generated.

Our testing includes but not limited to:

Cell Viability Assays
Cell Proliferation Assay
Cell Apoptosis Assays
ATP Content assay
Drug Penetration and Distribution Studies…

Features

Customized service solutions

High-throughput drug screening

Innovative and professional technical support

Detailed reports and data interpretation

Case Studies

Fig. 2. Effects of treatment regimens on spheroid morphology and cell viability. (Rolver MG, Elingaard- Larsen LO, et al., 2019).

FAQ

1. Can your 3D models be used for testing other types of drugs?

Our 3D models are not limited to anticancer drugs and are suitable for testing the efficacy of other types of drugs as well.

2. How do you ensure the accuracy of 3D cultures?

We use validated biomaterials, optimized culture media, and precise operating procedures to ensure that each model's construction and performance meet high standards.

3. What are the differences compared to 2D testing results?

Since 3D models are closer to the in vivo tumor environment, cell growth states and drug sensitivity may differ significantly from 2D tests. In 3D testing, factors such as tumor tissue barriers and cell-cell interactions may affect drug penetration and efficacy, generally resulting in more accurate reflection of the drug's real efficacy in vivo.

References

Salinas-Vera YM, Valdés J,et al. Three-Dimensional 3D Culture Models in Gynecological and Breast Cancer Research. Front Oncol. 2022. 12:826113.
Rolver MG, Elingaard-Larsen LO, Pedersen SF. Assessing Cell Viability and Death in 3D Spheroid Cultures of Cancer Cells. J Vis Exp. 2019 Jun 16;(148).

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For research use only. Not for any other purpose.