Can engineered micro-scale organotypic models predict patient-specific responses?

Cell-based assays for the prediction of patient-specific cancer response have not been widely adopted. However, it is timely to reevaluate their use, as numerous innovations, including micro-scale organ-on-a-chip models, may improve their predictive power and utility. We demonstrate how different levels of organotypic complexity may be necessary to recapitulate patient response: 1) Co-culture of multiple myeloma cells and stroma from a patient accurately predicts drug chemosensitivity. 2) Invasion of prostate cancer cells into model ECMs allows stratification of patients independent of other biomarkers. 3) Organotypic vessels from patient endothelial cells differentially respond to antiangiogenic therapy in renal cell carcinoma.