The Advent of 3D Bioprinting in Cancer Treatment
The transformative power of 3D bioprinting in cancer treatment is being unveiled. Amid the cutting-edge technologies poised to redefine medicine, 3D bioprinting emerges as a pioneer, holding great promise in our fight against cancer.
Trailblazing Initiative
A global first, the advent of a 3D bioprinting technique capable of augmenting the function of Natural Killer (NK) cells, has been successfully developed. This accomplishment was a result of an impressive collaboration between the Korean Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM) and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB). The remarkable research was recently published in the well-esteemed journal, Biomaterials Research.
Empowering NK Cells with 3D Bioprinting
The research team utilized the 3D bioprinting technology to generate hydrogels embedded with NK cells. Left to their own devices, these cells roam the body when injected, resulting in a large number failing to reach the cancerous cells. However, the innovation of 3D printed hydrogels has turned the tables. By preventing the loss of NK cells, a higher proportion now effectively reaches and attacks cancer cells. The hydrogel gradually forms pores over time, letting active NK cells flow out, fulfilling their critical role of eradicating harmful cells.
Addressing the Challenges of Solid Tumors
Cancer patients face a significant threat when partial residuals of solid tumors remain or cannot be entirely removed post-surgery, potentially leading to severe health consequences. Immunotherapy has been in the spotlight as a viable solution. However, traditional methods of introducing NK cells to the body have proven ineffective in treating solid tumors, primarily due to the cells’ failure to effectively reach the tumor and expand in vivo. The novel technique offers renewed hope, enhancing both the viability and activity of the encapsulated NK cells.
Dr. Su A Park of KIMM confidently shares that this breakthrough technology, which greatly improves the function of NK cells used in cancer treatment, will deliver significant benefits to cancer patients.
This project, representing a significant stride in biotechnology and healthcare, was made possible through the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea.
- *Note: NK cells, or Natural Killer Cells, are white blood cells that specialize in identifying and eliminating harmful cells in the body, including those that have been internally infected or have become abnormal.
- *Note: Solid tumors refer to a type of cancer that develops in the solid tissues of the body, such as organs or bones, differentiating them from cancers like leukemia, which do not form solid masses.
Source: The groundbreaking research was published in the journal Biomaterials Research (IF: 11.3), under the title “NK cells encapsulated in micro/macropore-forming hydrogels via 3D bioprinting for tumor immunotherapy” (Published on June 22, 2023).
Images via KIMM News
