3D Printing for Cancer Diagnosis: What Unique Advantages Are Gained?

Abstract

Cancer is a complex disease with global significance, necessitating continuous advancements in diagnostics and treatment. 3D printing technology has emerged as a revolutionary tool in cancer diagnostics, offering immense potential in detection and monitoring. Traditional diagnostic methods have limitations in providing molecular and genetic tumor information that is crucial for personalized treatment decisions. Biomarkers have become invaluable in cancer diagnostics, but their detection often requires specialized facilities and resources. 3D printing technology enables the fabrication of customized sensor arrays, enhancing the detection of multiple biomarkers specific to different types of cancer. These 3D-printed arrays offer improved sensitivity, allowing the detection of low levels of biomarkers, even in complex samples. Moreover, their specificity can be fine-tuned, reducing false-positive and false-negative results. The streamlined and cost-effective fabrication process of 3D printing makes these sensor arrays accessible, potentially improving cancer diagnostics on a global scale. By harnessing 3D printing, researchers and clinicians can enhance early detection, monitor treatment response, and improve patient outcomes. The integration of 3D printing in cancer diagnostics holds significant promise for the future of personalized cancer care.

Applications of 3D Bioprinting Technology to Brain Cells and Brain Tumor Models: Special Emphasis to Glioblastoma

“…3D bioprinting technology, one of the recent tissue engineering applications, allows researchers to make progress in cancer tissue modeling with the encapsulation of cells in biomaterials that mimic matrix characteristics and maintain cell viability. This technology enables scalable and relatively rapid manufacture, excellent versatility in cell positioning, and layer-by-layer deposition of biological and chemical components with reproducibility. , While, in 2D models, cells can only attach and proliferate on flat surfaces, which does not recapitulate in vivo cell morphology resulting in poor cell communication, in 3D models, cells can grow in any direction without contacting the surface, leading to better cell–cell and cell–ECM interactions; thus, these models better reflect an in vivo environment . Furthermore, it is possible to fabricate a complex vascular network that delivers nutrients, oxygen, and signaling components to malignant cells using the 3D bioprinting approach .…”

Advancement in Cancer Vasculogenesis Modeling through 3D Bioprinting Technology

“…Even by combining patient-derived cells into 3D bioprinted tumor models, researchers can customize diagnostic tests for the unique genetic markers of different cancers. With the significant potential to clarify individual therapeutic reactions and direct treatment decisions, this personalized approach may eventually lead to enhanced patient outcomes [73][74][75].…”