Retinoblastoma: Eye-Catching Investigation into Retinal Tumor Cells
Prof. Dr. Maike Busch with doctoral student Emily Alefeld. Image Credit: UDE/UK Essen
A research team from the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen and the University Hospital Essen has developed a new cell culture model that can be used to better investigate the interaction between tumor cells and the tumor environment in retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that primarily affects children. With the new model, the researchers hope to advance new eye-preserving therapies and sustainably improve treatment options for children with retinoblastoma. The new cell model was recently presented in the journal Cell Death & Disease.
Preserving Affected Eyes
Retinoblastoma develops in immature retinal cells and was long treated by completely removing the eye. In recent years, however, therapies have become established that aim to preserve the affected eye. “For this, a detailed understanding of tumor biology and studies on the influence of the tumor environment are crucial,” explains Prof. Dr. Maike Busch, scientist in the Department of Neuroanatomy at the Institute of Anatomy II at Essen University Hospital.
Better Examination of Cancer Cells Using a 3D Model
For the new study model, primary cells were isolated from retinoblastoma tumors and their surrounding tissue, which can now be permanently propagated in the laboratory. Then genetic comparisons were made between the different cell types and finally a three-dimensional model was built. “This 3D model enables us to examine in more detail how immune cells, glial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts from the tumor’s environment influence the growth and aggressiveness of the tumor cells,” say the authors.
Expert Contact
Prof. Dr. Maike Busch
Original Publication
Emily Alefeld, André Haase, Dario Van Meenen, Bettina Budeus, Oliver Dräger, Natalia Miroschnikov, Saskia Ting, Deniz Kanber, Eva Biewald, Nikolaos Bechrakis, Nicole Dünker & Maike Anna Busch
Journal: Cell Death & Disease
Article Title: In vitro model of retinoblastoma derived tumor and stromal cells for tumor microenvironment (TME) studies
Article Publication Date: 18 December 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-024-07285-2
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Email ID: presse-dekanat@uk-essen.de
Source: IDW
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