Protocol for generation of 3D bone marrow surrogate microenvironments in a rotary cell culture system

In this protocol, we describe how to generate 3D culture surrogates of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM) bone marrow microenvironments. We detail the use of culturing scaffolds populated with BM stromal cells and tumor cells in the RCCSTM bioreactor. This 3D culture can efficiently recapitulate tumor-stroma crosstalk and allows the testing of drugs such as ibrutinib and bortezomib. Moreover, this protocol can be used for the generation of other and more complex tumor microenvironments. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Belloni et al. (2018) and Barbaglio et al. (2021).

Automated summary

This protocol describes the generation of 3D culture surrogates of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM) bone marrow microenvironments. It involves the use of culturing scaffolds populated with BM stromal cells and tumor cells in the RCCSTM bioreactor. This 3D culture system efficiently recapitulates tumor-stroma crosstalk and allows drug testing.