Interstitial Flows Modulate Tumor Cell Invasion using a 3D Microfluidic Model

Malignant tumors are often associated with an elevated fluid pressure due to the abnormal growth of vascular vessels, and thus an increased interstitial flow out of the tumor. However, current in vitro tumor models rarely include fluid flows, and thus, roles of flows in tumor cell invasion and tumor progression is largely unknown. In this talk, I will describe the development of an in vitro tumor model where tumor cells/spheroids are embedded within a 3D biomatrix, and are subjected to well controlled interstitial flows. Our work demonstrated that interstitial flows critically regulate tumor cell/spheroid morphology and migration. This work highlights the importance of biophycal forces in regulating tumor cell invasion in 3D.