Growth of cells from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma biopsies in a reconstituted basement membrane.

Cells from esophageal carcinoma biopsies were cultured on or inside a three-dimensional basement membrane matrix (matrigel). Their growth was compared to cells derived from control esophageal biopsies. Cells from both normal and neoplastic tissue attached poorly to tissue culture plastic. Matrigel coating improved adhesion and growth. When cells were grown inside a matrigel matrix, a striking difference was noticed between carcinoma cells and controls. Carcinoma cells grew invasively in the three-dimensional substrate and digested the matrix after a few weeks; control cells did not grow and only a few necrotic cells were visible with time. Matrigel provided a better growth substrate than plastic for esophageal derived cells and discriminated between carcinoma-derived and control cells when used as a three-dimensional growth substrate. Our studies suggest a possible use of matrigel for the selective growth of tumor cells derived directly from tissue biopsies.