Microfluidic technologies for anticancer drug studies

Abstract

The study of cancer growth mechanisms and the determination of the efficacy of experimental therapeutics are usually performed in two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models. However, these models are incapable of mimicking complex interactions between cancer cells and the environment. With the advent of microfluidic technologies, the combination of multiple cell cultures with mechanical and biochemical stimuli has enabled a better recapitulation of the three-dimensional (3D) tumor environment using minute amounts of reagents. These models can also be used to study drug transport, hypoxia, and interstitial pressure within the tumor. In this review, we highlight the applications of microfluidic-based models in anticancer drug studies and provide a perspective on the future of the clinical applications of microfluidic systems for anticancer drug development.