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Updated: Jun 6, 2025

3D Cell-Printed Hypoxic Cancer-on-a-Chip for Recapitulating Pathologic Progression of Solid Cancer
Published on: January 5, 2021
Additive manufacturing to fight cancer: Current Applications and Future Directions
Ishaan Duggal1, Joon Kim1, Yu Zhang2
1Pharmaceutical Engineering and 3D Printing (PharmE3D) Lab, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, 2409 University Avenue, A1920, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
Abstract:
3D printing has emerged as a powerful tool demonstrating effectiveness in early screening and targeted delivery for various types of tumors. Although the applications of additive manufacturing for cancer are widespread, the issues of scaling up, quality control and specificity remain. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape of use of additive manufacturing in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Furthermore, it proceeds to elucidate the prominent current and future applications of 4D- and 5D-printed micro-swimmers in cancer treatment with particular emphasis on the significant progress made in magnetic, biological and light-based propulsion microrobots. Lastly, the current limitations and future research directions are enumerated. In summary, this paper serves as a comprehensive exploration of the remarkable contributions of additive manufacturing to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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