# Formation and Characterization of Two Magnetic Three-Dimensional Spheroid Models of Murine Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

## TL;DR

This study develops 3D spheroid models of pancreatic cancer to better mimic tumor behavior and test treatment responses.

## Contribution

The novel use of magnetic aggregation to form 3D spheroids with cancer cells and fibroblasts in different culture conditions.

## Key findings

- Magnetic aggregation successfully formed 3D spheroids in both liquid medium and hydrogels.
- Hydrogel culture with flow cytometry provided more detailed and reproducible viability analysis.
- Liquid medium and ATP-based methods are practical for initial experiments.

## Abstract

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains one of the deadliest cancers, with limited treatment options and high chemoresistance. Traditional 2D cell cultures fail to accurately replicate the tumor architecture. Our study introduces three-dimensional (3D) pancreatic adenocarcinoma spheroid models using magnetic aggregation of pancreatic cancer cells and immortalized fibroblasts in either liquid culture medium or embedded in hydrogels. The spheroids’ growth was characterized using optical imaging, while viability was assessed using ATP quantification and flow cytometry. Results demonstrated successful spheroid formation and growth. Further analysis suggested that on one hand, culture in liquid medium and ATP-based viability assessment are practical for initial experiments. On the other hand, hydrogel culture and flow cytometry, although being more resource- and labor-intensive, provided both a more reproducible and detailed viability analysis.