Bioengineering Approaches to Improve Gynecological Cancer Outcomes

Gynecological cancers are diagnosed in over a million females worldwide, with ovarian, endometrial (uterine), and cervical the most common. Here, we highlight recent progress by bioengineers to improve screening and diagnosis for these diseases, including potential point-of-care approaches. We provide particular attention to the use of tissue engineering, biomaterials, microfluidics, and organoids to identify mechanisms regulating disease progression and predict therapeutic responses. We also highlight opportunities for engineers to address the racial/ethnic/geographic disparities that continue to impact gynecological cancer outcomes. A challenge to improve outcomes for all gynecological cancers will be to expand the diversity of patients included in basic/clinical research to better capture the confounding effects of social/economic variables on disease progression.