Spatial -omics technologies: the new enterprise in 3D breast cancer models

The fields of tissue bioengineering,-omics, and spatial biology are advancing rapidly, each offering the opportunity for a paradigm shift in breast cancer research. However, to date, collaboration between these fields has not reached its full potential. In this review, we describe the most recently generated 3D breast cancer models regarding the biomaterials and technological platforms employed. Additionally, their biological evaluation is reported, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Specifically, we focus on the most up-to-date-omics and spatial biology techniques, which can generate a deeper understanding of the biological relevance of bioengineered 3D breast cancer in vitro models, thus paving the way towards truly clinically relevant microphysiological systems, improved drug development success rates, and personalised medicine approaches.

Automated summary

The fields of tissue bioengineering, -omics, and spatial biology offer the opportunity for a paradigm shift in breast cancer research. However, collaboration between these fields has not reached its full potential. This review discusses the latest 3D breast cancer models, their biomaterials and technological platforms, as well as their biological evaluation, highlighting the potential for better microphysiological systems, improved drug development success rates, and personalized medicine approaches.