Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to devices and methods for evaluating the interactions between cells and between cells and matrix materials wherein the cellular distribution patterns formed as a result of such interactions are indicators of the invasive potential(s) of the cells. Furthermore, such devices and methods can provide indications of the preferred sites of metastasis of invasive cells; the efficacy of an anti-cancer drug applied to such cells; and the potential for agents to promote or enhance tumor growth or metastasis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to compositions and methods for evaluating or estimating the invasive potential of cells and thereby differentiating between normal and cancerous cells in accordance with the susceptibility of the cellular chromatin to degradation or other modification by particular enzymes or agents. Chromatin within permeabilized normal and non-invasive cells, including chromatin strands removed therefrom, are more susceptible to degradation by endonucleases or proteinases than is the chromatin from invasive cells.