Tracking Cancer Cell Invasion in 3D Matrices

This application note describes the use of Imaris to understand how the extracellular matrix in which cancer cells spread can affect pharmacological treatments. Investigators developed a collagen hydrogel model with tunable mechanical properties in which they could monitor the three-dimensional invasion of highly malignant breast cancer cells. The researchers turned to Imaris because of its powerful cell-tracking algorithm, which allowed them to accurately locate each cell and reliably reconstruct cell trajectories. This research could lead to better therapies for preventing cancer metastasis, the leading cause of cancer mortality.