This model is based on short term cultivation of floating 200-400 µm slices of intact tumor tissue. Most tumors can be used (no biological selection within a tumor entity). All assays applicable for primary cells can be used except single cell analysis of surface molecules. A major advantage is the analysis of tumor cells within the tumor environment (stroma cells) either by immunohistochemistry or isolation by LCM technology and subsequent analysis. The model allows analysis of compound diffusion into tissue and target binding studies comparing tumor and stroma cells. Combined with normal tissues (e.g. liver), toxicity studies can be included.This model is based on short term cultivation of floating 200-400 µm slices of intact tumor tissue. Most tumors can be used (no biological selection within a tumor entity). All assays applicable for primary cells can be used except single cell analysis of surface molecules. A major advantage is the analysis of tumor cells within the tumor environment (stroma cells) either by immunohistochemistry or isolation by LCM technology and subsequent analysis. The model allows analysis of compound diffusion into tissue and target binding studies comparing tumor and stroma cells. Combined with normal tissues (e.g. liver), toxicity studies can be included.
