Characterization of the Effects of Migrastatic Inhibitors on 3D Tumor Spheroid Invasion by High-resolution Confocal Microscopy

This protocol is demonstrating that we can now determine the effect of migrastatic inhibitors in detail in 3D cancer models. The main advantage is the ease and all-in-one approach with which this technique can be carried out. This technique allows the assessment of migrastatic drugs in cancer research in a 3D setting, allowing the testing of drugs in a more tumor environment-relevant setting.

This method may be applied to testing of cytotoxic drugs in cancer or, for example, to assess the effect of radiation on cancer proliferation and cell migration. It is useful to practice the medium removal step and collagen replacement with ordinary 96-well plates to become confident. Also, training on a confocal microscope is essential.