US 8,007,991 B2 · Three-dimensional physiological matrices for oncological testing, and methods for their production and use

Abstract

Three-dimensional physiological matrices, methods, apparatus and kits for the expedited design, testing and evaluation of oncological remedies are provided. Key aspects of the inventions include matrices, and especially gel matrices, comprising one or more physiological fibers, which are adapted and arranged to provide conditions which permit behaviors, such as the movement of cells away from the margins of samples of target tissue through the matrix, to be evaluated in a manner that produces data useful for evaluating the oncological status and characteristics of the cells. In a further key aspect, the invention permits the in vitro testing and analysis of one or more conventional, experimental or theoretical therapies with respect to specific target tissues or cells. Among such therapies are therapeutic compounds and combinations thereof, radiation therapies, combinations of therapeutic compounds and radiation and numerous other possible therapies.

Claims41

Dependent claims

A three dimensional physiological gel matrix suitable for incubating at least one tissue sample from an animal, said tissue sample comprising cells, wherein said cells or said tissue are suspected of being abnormal, cancerous, or pre-cancerous, wherein said physiological matrix comprises:

(A) wherein the physiological matrix comprises collagen fibers adapted and arranged such that the cells, if abnormal, cancerous or pre-cancerous, are enabled to grow away from the sample portion into the matrix, and wherein said collagen fiber is present in a density of from 1.3 mg/ml to 3.3 mg/ml,
(B) a sufficient amount of at least one additive providing hydroxyl anions or protons to adjust the pH of the matrix into a range suitable for a particular tissue, cell or tumor, and
C) nutrition sufficient to sustain said cells and said tissue in the matrix
wherein said physiological matrix is formed from components which are essentially free of bicarbonate during the process of forming a gel.

1 more element

A kit for incubating one or more tissue samples, said kit comprising

(I) means for collecting at least one tissue from an animal, said tissue comprising cells, said tissue or cells suspected for being cancerous, abnormal or pre-cancerous,
(II) components sufficient to for at least one three-dimensional physiological matrix for incubating said tissue, wherein said matrix comprises
(a) collagen fibers adapted and arranged such that the cells, if abnormal, cancerous or pre-cancerous, are enabled to grow away from the sample portion into the matrix, and wherein said collagen fiber is present in a density of from 1.3 mg/ml to 3.3 mg/ml,
(B) a sufficient amount of at least one additive providing hydroxyl anions or protons to adjust the pH of the matrix into a range suitable for a particular tissue, cell or tumor, and
C) nutrition sufficient to sustain said cells and said tissue in the matrix for a length of time to obtain measurements of at least one parameter of the behavior of said cells and said tissue,
and wherein said components are essentially free of bicarbonate.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Three-dimensional physiological matrices for oncological testing, and methods for their production and use

Life of this patent

Three-dimensional physiological matrices for oncological testing, and methods for their production and use

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims41