Real-Time 3D Tumor Spheroid Assays
Cell and gene therapies have transformed the treatment of hematologic cancers, but translating these approaches to solid tumors remains challenging. Advanced 3D cell models combined with real-time quantitative imaging are now enabling deeper insights into tumor biology and immune-cell-mediated killing.
Why 3D Tumor Spheroids?
In vitro 3D cultures bridge the gap between traditional 2D assays and animal models. Tumor spheroids closely mimic in vivo tissue architecture, capturing key features such as:
- Cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions
- Hypoxia and central necrosis
- Drug penetration and resistance
- Extracellular matrix (ECM) production and remodeling
These physiologically relevant models provide more predictive data for immuno-oncology and drug discovery.
Real-Time, Quantitative 3D Analysis
xCELLigence cell analysis solutions deliver robust workflows for monitoring immune-cell-driven inhibition of 3D tumor growth and invasion. Integrated incubation, imaging, and analysis enable long-term kinetic studies with minimal hands-on time and high reproducibility.
- Live-cell imaging for real-time monitoring of 3D tumor growth and invasion
- Label-free imaging or simple mix-and-read reagents to assess proliferation and cytotoxicity
- Quantitative insights into morphology and cellular dynamics in mono- and co-culture models
- Simple, reproducible viability and toxicity readouts for deeper biological insight
- Physiologically relevant modeling of tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment
Automated Assay for Measuring CAR-T Cell Killing in 3D Cancer Models
Adoptive cell therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, have transformed cancer immunotherapy. To better understand their activity in solid tumors, CAR-T cell-mediated killing in physiologically relevant 3D cancer models was quantified.
Genetically engineered T cells targeting EpCAM (CD326) are monitored in real time, enabling detailed analysis of cytotoxic activity, spatial interactions, and treatment efficacy within 3D tumor environments.
Continuous Real-Time Monitoring of 3D Tumor Spheroid Killing with xCELLigence RTCA eSight
The xCELLigence RTCA eSight enables continuous, real-time visualization and quantification of immune cell-mediated killing in 3D tumor spheroids. In this assay, HT-1080 spheroids formed from eLenti Red-labeled cells are co-cultured with pre-activated or non-activated PBMCs to assess cytotoxic efficacy over time.
Automated brightfield and fluorescent imaging is performed every 4 hours over 10 days, capturing E:T ratio–dependent killing at ratios from 2.5:1 to 20:1. This approach delivers dynamic, quantitative insights into immune cell activity, treatment response, and killing kinetics in physiologically relevant 3D cancer models.