Tumor spheroids explode in the presence of interstitial flows revealed by a 3D microfluidic model*

Interstitial flows are ubiquitous in maintaining tissue homeostasis in living systems, and are known to be elevated in malignant tumors. However, most current in vitro assays are carried out in static conditions and do not include fluid flows. In our work, we developed a microfluidic model to study tumor spheroid invasion through 3D collagen architecture under well controlled flows. We discovered that tumor spheroids explode in the presence of flow in contrast to no flow condition. Possible mechanisms underlying this explosion will be discussed in my talk. Our work highlights the importance of biophysical parameters in regulating tumor cell invasion.