# An Advanced 3D Model of Vascularized Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in a Tumor-on-a-Chip System Based on Multi-Cell Culture

## TL;DR

A new tumor-on-a-chip model mimics vascularized ovarian cancer tissue and its interactions with blood vessels and the tumor environment.

## Contribution

A novel 3D tumor-on-a-chip system that replicates vascularized and heterogeneous epithelial ovarian cancer with functional angiogenesis and tumor microenvironment dynamics.

## Key findings

- Endothelial cells migrate toward the EOC-mimicking structure in the model.
- The tumor construct secretes proangiogenic factors like VEGF.
- Long-term co-culture mimics inflammation and tumor microenvironment remodeling.

## Abstract

What are the main findings?
New EOC-on-a-chip model mimics heterogeneous and vascularized tumor tissueComplex model of ovarian cancer secretes proangiogenic factors (VEGF)

New EOC-on-a-chip model mimics heterogeneous and vascularized tumor tissue

Complex model of ovarian cancer secretes proangiogenic factors (VEGF)

What is the implication of the main finding?
HUVECs migrate toward an EOC-mimicking structureLong-term co-culture mimics inflammation and TME remodeling seen in tumor progression

HUVECs migrate toward an EOC-mimicking structure

Long-term co-culture mimics inflammation and TME remodeling seen in tumor progression

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a highly lethal malignancy characterized by significant heterogeneity and poor prognosis due to late-stage diagnosis and chemotherapy resistance. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) models fail to replicate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME), necessitating the development of advanced in vitro systems. Here, we present a novel microfluidic tumor-on-a-chip (ToC) system that accurately models key features of EOC, including heterogeneity and vascularization. The developed cellular model was evaluated for functionality. It was demonstrated that endothelial cells of blood vessels within a collagen matrix successfully migrated toward the cancerous tissue, while the multicellular and multilayered tumor construct secreted pro-angiogenic factors. Additionally, long-term culture conditions induced inflammatory responses, mimicking in vivo tumor progression. This innovative platform enables precise investigations into EOC biology, angiogenesis, and TME interactions. Furthermore, it holds significant potential for drug screening, assessing therapeutic efficacy, and advancing personalized oncology approaches.