Microarchitectural mimicking of stroma-induced vasculature compression in pancreatic tumors using a 3D engineered model

Fibrotic tumors, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), are characterized for high desmoplastic reaction, which results in high intra-tumoral solid stress leading to the compression of blood vessels. These microarchitectural alterations cause loss of blood flow and poor intra-tumoral delivery of therapeutics. Currently, there is a lack of relevant in vitro models capable of replicating these mechanical characteristics and to test anti-desmoplastic compounds. Here, a multi-layered vascularized 3D PDAC model consisting of primary human pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) embedded in collagen/fibrinogen (Col/Fib), mimicking tumor tissue within adjunct healthy tissue, is presented to study the fibrosis-induced compression of vasculature in PDAC. It is demonstrated how the mechanical and biological stimulation induce PSC activation, extracellular matrix production and eventually vessel compression. The clinical relevance is confirmed by correlating with patient transcriptomic data. Furthermore, the effects of gradual vessel compression on the fluid dynamics occurring within the channel is evaluated in silico. Finally, it is demonstrated how cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-modulatory therapeutics can inhibit the cell-mediated compression of blood vessels in PDAC in vitro, in silico and in vivo. It is envisioned that this 3D model is used to improve the understanding of mechanical characteristics in tumors and for evaluating novel anti-desmoplastic therapeutics.