A team of researchers at Tsinghua University in China has developed an innovative method to replicate kidney tumours in the laboratory using 3D bioprinting. This development marks an important step towards more personalised treatment strategies for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a form of cancer whose incidence is increasing worldwide.
The technology uses tumour cells from real patients, combined with supporting cell types, such as blood vessel-like structures. This creates a realistic tumour environment in the form of so-called organoids. These mini-organs accurately mimic not only the structure but also the biological properties of the original tumours.
3D bioprinting
The use of 3D bioprinting allows these organoids to be produced faster and more consistently than with traditional laboratory models. This enables large-scale and efficient testing of drug treatments, allowing faster determination of which therapies are most effective for a specific patient.
‘This technology could be a game changer in how we study and treat kidney cancer. By producing organoids more quickly, we can test treatments on patient-specific tumours and significantly increase the effectiveness of therapies,’ said Dr. Yuan Pang, co-author of the study recently published in Biofabrication.
Overcoming challenges
An important advantage of this approach is that it helps overcome one of the biggest challenges in oncology: the high degree of variation between tumours and the development of drug resistance. RCC patients often respond poorly to chemotherapy, and targeted therapies are not effective for everyone. By creating accurate models of individual tumours, treatment choices can be better tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient.
In addition, the technology reduces dependence on labour-intensive manual culture processes, significantly shortening the turnaround time of preclinical research.
New medication
The researchers also see future potential in using this technology to develop new drugs, optimise existing treatments and improve the predictability of treatment outcomes.
With the emergence of these types of advanced bioprinting technologies, a future is approaching in which oncological care will become increasingly personalised, effective and efficient. Another recent example of the potential added value of these developments was seen a few weeks ago.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) developed an advanced 3D-printed lung model that closely approximates the structure and mechanical behaviour of real lung tissue. The model was manufactured using an innovative bio-ink: a hydrogel of light-sensitive, modified gelatin and polyethylene glycol diacrylate, which contains microspaces for blood vessels and airways. This breakthrough offers new opportunities for studying complex respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD and lung cancer.
