Microfluidic Platforms for Modeling Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: Current Status and Future Directions

Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis, vol. 10, pp. 106835

Abstract

2-dimensional models fail to accurately mimic the dynamic microenvironment of CAT in humans. Although animal models can mimic complex pathological conditions, significant differences in the composition and regulation of the coagulation system between animals and humans limit their ability to accurately model CAT in humans. In this review, we briefly outline the mechanisms involved in CAT to provide the biological rationale for the design of emerging microfluidic platforms. We then discuss how these platforms have advanced CAT research. The ability of microfluidic platforms to precisely control perfusion, cellular composition, and flow rate enables researchers to accurately simulate the human cancer-vascular microenvironment in vitro and investigate cancer-specific mechanisms of thrombosis. We further discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for microfluidic models to support basic and clinical research.

Authors 3

1. Dongyue Fan Aachen Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis Department of Internal Medicine Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine

   Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands

2. Henri H. Versteeg Aachen Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis Department of Internal Medicine Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine

   Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands

3. Araci M. R. Rondon Aachen Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis Department of Internal Medicine Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine

   Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Division of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Internal Medicine, Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands