Solid tumors represent the most common type of cancer in humans and are classified into sarcomas, lymphomas, and carcinomas based on the originating cells. Among these, carcinomas, which arise from epithelial and glandular cells lining the body’s tissues, are the most prevalent. Around the world, a significant increase in the incidence of solid tumors is observed during recent years. In this context, efforts to discover more effective cancer treatments have led to a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its components. Currently, the interactions between cancer cells and elements of the TME are being intensely investigated. Remarkable progress in research is noted, largely owing to the development of advanced in vitro models, such as tumor-on-a-chip models that assist in understanding and ultimately discovering new effective treatments for a specific type of cancer. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the TME and cancer cell components, along with the advances on tumor-on-a-chip models designed to mimic tumors, offering a perspective on the current state of the art. Recent studies using this kind of microdevices that reproduce the TME have allowed a better understanding of the cancer and its treatments. Nevertheless, current applications of this technology present some limitations that must be overcome to achieve a broad application by researchers looking for a deeper knowledge of cancer and new strategies to improve current therapies.
Impact Statement
This review article clarifies, in a simple and objective language, the aim of improving researchers in different areas of understanding about the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME), current studies, and challenges of tumor-on-a-chip systems. We look for present topics that elucidate the concepts, features of each component of the microenvironment, main relationships with cancer cells, and the advances and limitations of tumor-on-a-chip technology. Tumor-on-a-chip technology can be very relevant in the investigation of biological processes and therapies for the treatment of solid tumors. This article must assist researchers to better comprehend the main components of the TME and the existing research possibilities using tumor-on-a-chip platforms.
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