Exploring cell dynamics and tumor microenvironments: a comprehensive review of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) scaffolds in breast and prostate cancer research

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) scaffolds offer advanced platforms for studying breast and prostate cancer, enabling the replication of the tumor microenvironment (TME) with high fidelity. This review summarizes methodologies for creating dECM scaffolds, highlighting their biochemical and mechanical properties that enable up to 70 greater physiological relevance compared to traditional two-dimensional cultures. Search Strategy: A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (2010-2025) using keywords such as "decellularized extracellular matrix," "breast cancer," "prostate cancer," and "tumor microenvironment." Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies employing dECM scaffolds in breast and prostate cancer research. Findings: Key findings reveal that dECM scaffolds effectively mimic tissue-specific TMEs, facilitating the study of tumor-stroma interactions, cellular responses, and drug resistance in breast and prostate cancers. dECM supports enhanced understanding of cancer progression mechanisms, including increased invasiveness, chemoresistance, and cell proliferation. Differences in decellularization methods influence ECM composition and scaffold function. Challenges, including standardization, clinical validation, and scalability, remain. Conclusion and Future Trends: dECM scaffolds hold great potential to advance cancer biology research and precision therapy development by providing biomimetic platforms. Future directions include integrating bioengineering advancements, AI-assisted ECM analysis, organoid and organ-on-chip models, and enhanced decellularization protocols to improve model fidelity and clinical relevance.