In pancreatic cancer, neural invasion is one of the most common paths of cancer dissemination. Classically, cancer cells actively invade nerves and cause local recurrence and pain. Three-dimensional (3D) neural migration assay has become a standard tool for scientists to study neural invasion by confronting the involved cell types. This protocol introduces Schwann cells, i.e., the most prevalent cell type in peripheral nerves, in a novel heterotypic, glia-cancer-neuron, 3D migration assay for assessing their relevance in the early pathogenesis of neural invasion. Particularly, this assay allows the monitoring of the early Schwann cell migratory activity.
Keywords: 3D migration assay; Dorsal root ganglia/DRG; Neural invasion; Pancreatic cancer; Schwann cell carcinotropism; Schwann cells.