Scientists Studying The Spread of Cancer Cells Through 3D Printing

Animal experimentation for medical purposes raises many questions, especially ethical ones. That is why a team of scientists from the Henry Royce Institute is 3D printing bone structures to study different forms of cancer. The aim is to see how cancer cells evolve in an environment that resembles bone tissue. In this way, animal trials are considerably reduced, and researchers can speed up and multiply their tests. Should this practice be democratized?
Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned this subject, and in the medical field, 3D technologies are often used to conduct trials and gain a better understanding of certain pathologies. They enable the creation of tailor-made structures, using a variety of materials, which facilitate the cultivation of cells of all kinds. Moreover, these structures can be designed according to local needs, and in principle within short lead times. The advantages of additive manufacturing in such cases are well understood: the work of the Henry Royce Institute is yet another example.

3D printed bone structures (Photo credits: Fatih Eroglu)
More concretely, the team is 3D printing bone structures to act as “homes” for cancer cells, particularly breast cancer cells. The aim is to study how they propagate in tissues. To do this, they use two materials, PLGA and HA-PLGA. PLGA is a biodegradable polymer that forms the basis of the bone model. The second is a mixture of PLGA and hydroxyapatite naturally present in bone. This makes for a more realistic model and an environment closer to natural bone tissue.
The preferred technology for this work was fused deposition modeling (FDM), which enabled the team to cut costs considerably. According to the team, the 3D printer would have cost less than 1,000 euros, compared with thousands if they had opted for a 3D bioprinter. In fact, scaffolding is 3D printed to promote cell culture and thus understand the spread of cancer cells. To be more precise, the researchers place stem cells called bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, which are capable of transforming into any desired cell. Fatih Eroglu, one of the scientists, adds: “It’s like giving these cells the perfect environment to become what we need them to be. Our early results show that the cells are not just surviving but, creating a realistic bone-like environment that we can use for studying cancer metastasis.
Initial tests have shown positive results. The cells are able to attach to the scaffold, grow and multiply. They transform into bone cells, providing scientists with a means of studying the interactions of cancer cells with bone tissue. A more ethical alternative to animal experimentation.
“We’re not just building scaffolds, we’re creating new ways to study disease and test treatments that could reduce animal testing while accelerating research progress,” concludes Fatih Eroglu.
Find out more about the work of the Henry Royce Institute HERE. What do you think of using 3D printing to study cancer cells? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Are you interested in more medical or dental 3D printing news? Click here. Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.
*Cover Photo Credit: Fatih Eroglu/Institute Henry Royce