Multi-parameter biophysical characterisation of cancer cells towards potential resistance to spindle-poison based chemotherapies on a centrifugal platform

Excessive cell division is characteristic for the onset of cancer. By removing the enabling cell spindle, many chemotherapeutic agents interfere with this key process also referred to mitosis. However, cancer cells vary widely in their susceptibility to these cytotoxic agents. It has been demonstrated that cells are significantly less deformable during mitosis than during interphase during their cycle [1]. This work presents a microfluidic tool for early-stage identification of cell spindle resistance to chemotherapy based on cell stiffness to avoid ineffective treatment and relapse.