| abstract |
Described herein are in vitro cell constructs (or “organoids”) useful as a tumor model, the constructs comprising live tumor cells from a subject. In some embodiments, provided are in vitro cell constructs comprising: (a) a core comprised of live tumor cells; and (b) a shell surrounding (e.g., encapsulating) the core, the shell comprised of live benign cells (e.g., tissue cells, benign or differentiated tumor cells, etc.). Also described herein are methods of making and using such constructs. Further provided are devices useful for evaluating tumor cells in vitro, comprising: (a) a microfluidic device having a chamber, and a channel in fluid communication with the chamber; (b) a live tumor cell construct (e.g., an organoid) in the chamber; (c) a growth media in the chamber and the channel; (d) a pump operatively associated with the chamber and channel and configured for circulating the media from the chamber through the channel and back to the chamber; (e) a microporous membrane (e.g., a TRANSWELL® microporous membrane) in the channel and positioned so that the media flows therethrough. |