Comparative Assay of 2D and 3D Cell Culture Models: Proliferation, Gene Expression and Anticancer Drug Response

Background: In vitro tests allow establishing experimental variables. However, in vitro results cannot be extrapolated to in vivo tests. Considering that three-dimensional (3D) culture has been one of the best ways to portray the in vivo system of most cell types, it is possible to carry out assays with a great clinical relevance for the analysis of the screening, action and resistance of antitumor drugs. Objective: Thus, the objective of the present study was to compare between 2D and 3D cell culture forms to conclude which is the most suitable model for preclinical in vitro drug testing. Method: We evaluated the proliferation, genetic expression and chemoresistance of prostate tumor cell lines, PC-3, LNCaP and DU145. Prostate tumor cell lines PC-3, LNCaP and DU145 were treated with the antineoplastic drugs paclitaxel and docetaxel and evaluated with cytotoxicity, cell proliferation and gene expression assays in 2D and magnetic 3D bioprinting cultures. Results: Lower cell proliferation rate, more resistance to paclitaxel and docetaxel and altered gene expression profile was shown in 3D cell culture comparing with its 2D counterpart. Conclusion: 3D cell culture exhibited a more similar behavior to in vivo systems, being a promising and more reliable tool for the development of new drugs.