Modelling the tumor microenvironment in vitro in prostate cancer: current and future perspectives

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in over 50% of countries and the third most common malignancy worldwide. The tumor microenvironment includes the non-cancerous cells and components present in the tumor, including the molecules they produce and release. Prostate cancer proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance are closely associated with the tumor microenvironment. With the continuous development of in vitro tumor models, they have gradually become important tools for recapitulating in vivo parental tumors and studying the reciprocal interactions between tumors and their microenvironment. In this perspective, we describe the significant in vitro models of prostate cancer, analyze the research results on incorporating the tumor microenvironment into these models, and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, we highlight the future developmental direction of in vitro prostate cancer model research according to the hotspots of in vitro model research in other cancer types to facilitate precision medicine in prostate cancer. In this perspective, the authors describe the significant in vitro models of prostate cancer, analyze the research results on incorporating the tumor microenvironment into these models, and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, they highlight the future developmental direction of prostate cancer in vitro model research according to the hotspots of in vitro model research in other cancer types to facilitate precision medicine in prostate cancer. image