ABSTRACT
In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cell culture models have earned great attention, especiallyin the field of human cancer disease modelling research as they provide a promising alternative towardsthe conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture of cells with improved tissue organization. In2D cell culture systems, the complexity of cells on a planar surface does not accurately reflects the invivo cellular microenvironment. Cells propagated in 3D cell culture model, on the other hand, exhibitphysiologically relevant cell-to-cell interactions and cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions,important in maintaining a normal homeostasis and specificity of tissues. This review gives an overviewon 2D models and their limitations, followed by 3D cell culture models, their advantages, drawbacks andchallenges in present perspectives. The review also highlights the dissimilarities of 2D and 3D modelsand the applicability of 3D models in current cancer research.