Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is clinically challenging due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Current standard of care involves surgical resection and chemoradiation with temozolomide (TMZ). GBM, however, often returns post-treatment fueled by its complex biology and the presence of resilient GBM stem cells. Compounding the issue is the blood-brain barrier, which poses a formidable obstacle to drug delivery into the brain. Understanding the molecular dynamics post-therapy within the brain, influenced by the tissue microenvironment, is key for developing more effective therapeutic strategies. Unfortunately, existing research models have fallen short in capturing the complexity of GBM and its response to treatment. While animal models have been a mainstay in GBM research, their ability to predict human responses has been called into question, highlighted by the disappointing results seen in clinical trials. We are therefore advancing bioprinting-based approaches for modeling various components of the tumor microenvironment to gain insight into mechanisms of drug resistance. We report on the development of three novel microfluidic platforms to investigate and interrogate GBM biology. First, we have developed a novel microfluidic model of GBM, termed GlioFlow-3D, produced through a combination of 3D printing methods. GlioFlow-3D mimics specific aspects of the perivascular niche, including protection from circulating TMZ. Second, we have adapted GlioFlow-3D as part of a platform to investigate advanced ultrasound techniques for delivering novel therapeutics into the human brain. Third, we are developing a novel approach aimed at exploring the relationship between the brain extracellular matrix and tumoral cells using bioprinting of living tumor organoids obtained from patients with a history of recurrence. By integrating bioprinting technologies with patient-derived models to create novel ex vivo platforms, we aim to obtain new insights into the intricate dynamics of drug resistance in GBM, ultimately paving the way for more effective therapeutic strategies. Funding: The Brain Tumor Center Research Award (UCGNI) The ARC Project - CCHMC and UC joint Research Award