Open Access

Insights on the differences between two‑ and three‑dimensional culture systems in tumor models (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Guangjie Zhang
    • Qindong Liang
    • Yongfang Wu
    • Yingshuang Wang
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: September 4, 2025     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2025.5626
  • Article Number: 185
  • Copyright: © Zhang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Traditional cancer research generally utilizes commercial immortalized cancer cell lines cultivated in two‑dimensional (2D) culture systems. However, as cell‑cell/cell‑matrix interactions and the microenvironment cannot be explored in vivo, 2D cell culture models inadequately replicate the phenotype and physiology of original tissues. Therefore, three‑dimensional (3D) cell culture technologies, such as organoids, which present potential for mimicking the features of primary solid tumors in vivo, may be useful in cancer research. By embedding them into special medium, cancer cell lines can be propagated to form tumor organoids. Notably, cells in tumor organoids are different from their original 2D counterparts. During organoid or spheroid formation, crucial aspects including cancer biology, transcriptome, proteome, signal pathways and drug sensitivity, undergo alterations. The present review summarizes the disparities between 2D cancer cells culture and 3D tumor organoids or spheroids with the aim to guide researchers in selecting optimal models for scientific investigations.
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November-2025
Volume 56 Issue 5

Print ISSN: 1107-3756
Online ISSN:1791-244X

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Zhang G, Liang Q, Wu Y and Wang Y: Insights on the differences between two‑ and three‑dimensional culture systems in tumor models (Review). Int J Mol Med 56: 185, 2025.
APA
Zhang, G., Liang, Q., Wu, Y., & Wang, Y. (2025). Insights on the differences between two‑ and three‑dimensional culture systems in tumor models (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 56, 185. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2025.5626
MLA
Zhang, G., Liang, Q., Wu, Y., Wang, Y."Insights on the differences between two‑ and three‑dimensional culture systems in tumor models (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 56.5 (2025): 185.
Chicago
Zhang, G., Liang, Q., Wu, Y., Wang, Y."Insights on the differences between two‑ and three‑dimensional culture systems in tumor models (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 56, no. 5 (2025): 185. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2025.5626