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Three-dimensional bio-printing: A new frontier in oncology research
Nitin Charbe1, Paul A McCarron1, Murtaza M Tambuwala1
1Nitin Charbe, Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, L. Sacco University Hospital, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Current research in oncology deploys methods that rely principally on two-dimensional (2D) mono-cell cultures and animal models. Although these methodologies have led to significant advancement in the development of novel experimental therapeutic agents with promising anticancer activity in the laboratory, clinicians still struggle to manage cancer in the clinical setting. The disappointing translational success is attributable mainly to poor representation and recreation of the cancer microenvironment present in human neoplasia. Three-dimensional (3D) bio-printed models could help to simulate this micro-environment, with recent bio-printing of live human cells demonstrating that effective in vitro replication is achievable. This literature review outlines up-to-date advancements and developments in the use of 3D bio-printed models currently being used in oncology research. These innovative advancements in 3D bio-printing open up a new frontier for oncology research and could herald an era of progressive clinical cancer therapeutics.
Insights
Three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing offers a revolutionary approach to cancer research by accurately recreating the tumor microenvironment. This technology promises to improve the translation of laboratory findings into effective clinical cancer therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Current oncology research primarily uses 2D cell cultures and animal models, which inadequately represent the human cancer microenvironment.
- This limitation leads to poor translation of promising laboratory cancer therapeutics into clinical success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements and developments in three-dimensional (3D) bio-printed models for oncology research.
- To highlight the potential of 3D bio-printing in simulating the complex cancer microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on 3D bio-printing applications in oncology.
- Analysis of studies demonstrating the successful bio-printing of live human cells for in vitro replication.
Main Results:
- Three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing enables effective in vitro replication of the cancer microenvironment.
- Recent advancements show the feasibility of using bio-printed live human cells in oncology models.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional (3D) bio-printed models represent a significant advancement for oncology research.
- This technology opens new avenues for developing progressive clinical cancer therapeutics by better simulating human neoplasia.
