Modelling the tumor micro-environment in hepatocellular carcinoma using multi-cellular spheroids

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. There is yet no effective therapy available for advanced HCC. A major limitation to develop therapeutic treatments is the lack of accurate in vitro models recapitulating key-features of this disease. Here, we report a co-culture spheroid model combining human hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes, which are the key cell types involved in HCC development. This model emulates HCC pathological features, such as a collagen-rich fibrotic capsule, acting as a barrier for drug delivery.