Discovery tools for solid tumor research

Abstract

Solid tumors take center stage as a primary human health concern as they comprise the majority of cancer incidences andmortalities. It is heartening however, to note the decreasing incidence rates as well as better survival rates over the pastdecade, largely owing to preventive measures, healthy life styles and developments in diagnostic, therapeutic andmanagement areas which in turn are due to the rapid progress in cancer research. Many tools are available for cancerresearch of which, cell lines obtained from either the solid tumor site or from metastatic sites, are pivotal. More than 700cell lines have been established from solid tumors ranging from the carcinomas and lymphomas to the sarcomas. Over thepast decade, developments in cell culture techniques viz. the three dimensional culture systems and xenotransplants, haveincreased the potential application of such cell lines. Apart from the cell lines and various culture techniques, othermaterial such as tumor tissue biopsies, tissue lysates and tissue arrays from cancerous, adjacent and normal tissue aremajor contributors to cancer research. While each one has its own advantages and limitations, a combined approach givesus an over-all picture of solid tumor research development over the recent past and the future directions available.