Production of 3D tumor models of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas for nanotheranostics assessment

As a first approach, standard 2D cell culture techniques are usually employed for the screening of drugs and nanomaterials. Despite the easy handling, findings achieved on 2D cultures are often not e"ciently translatable to in vivo preclinical investigations. Furthermore, although animal models are pivotal in preclinical studies, more strict directives have been implemented to promote the use of alternative biological systems. In this context, the development and integration into preclinical research workflow of 3D neoplasm models is particularly appealing to promote the advancement and success of therapeutics in clinical trials while reducing the number of in vivo models. Indeed, 3D tumor models bridge several discrepancies between 2D cell culture and in vivo models, among which are morphology, polarity, drug penetration, osmolality, and gene expressions. Here, we comprehensively describe a robust and high-throughput hanging drop protocol for the production of 3D models of both Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). We also report the standard cascade assays for their characterization and demonstrate their significance in investigations on these aggressive neoplasms. The employment of relevant 3D cancer models is pivotal to produce more reliable and robust findings in terms of biosafety, theranostic e"cacy, and biokinetics as well as to promote further knowledge on HNSCC pathophysiology.