• The Cell Models of Cancer
  • Amir Shourideh,1,* Negin Chamani Golzar,2
    1. Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Cyprus
    2. Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Cyprus


  • Introduction: Cell models of cancer have played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the complex processes underlying oncogenesis. This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse cell models used in cancer research, highlighting their importance in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cancer initiation, progression, and treatment response.
  • Methods: This review extensively searched multiple databases such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, Pub-Med, and Web of Science, along with conducting a wide-ranging exploration of cell models. These cell models, including established cancer cell lines, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), three-dimensional organoids, and patient-derived organotypic cultures, have been employed to mimic the heterogeneity and complexity of human tumors. This abstract discusses the strengths and limitations of each model, emphasizing their utility in addressing specific research questions.
  • Results: Cell models of cancer have yielded crucial insights into the genetic and epigenetic alterations driving tumorigenesis, tumor heterogeneity, and drug response. They have been instrumental in identifying novel therapeutic targets and evaluating the efficacy of anticancer drugs. Moreover, advances in genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have enabled the development of more precise and sophisticated cell models.
  • Conclusion: The use of cell models of cancer has significantly contributed to our understanding of the disease, facilitating the development of targeted therapies and personalized treatment approaches. However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations and challenges associated with these models, including issues related to recapitulating the tumor microenvironment. Future research should continue to refine and innovate cell models to better mimic the complexity of human tumors, ultimately improving our ability to combat cancer.
  • Keywords: Oncogenesis, Tumor heterogeneity, Patient-derived xenografts, Tumor microenvironment