Miniaturized In Vitro Assays to Study Cellular Phenotypic Characteristics: Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Anoikis-Resistance.

In vitro assays can be used to study many characteristics that are associated with cancer metastasis so as to minimize the need for preclinical in vivo studies. Here we describe methods for analyzing proliferation, migration, invasion, and resistance to anoikis (apoptosis) in cultured cells. For all assay types, the analyses can be done in culture medium alone to understand the fundamental characteristics of the cells of choice. Potential stimulations or inhibitors of these phenotypic characteristics can be included to determine their effects on the cells.