In a world where cancer is a prevalent and devastating disease, finding effective treatments is of utmost importance. However, current drug development methods often fall short in delivering promising results from lab settings to real-world human trials. This is due to the fact that laboratory environments cannot fully capture the complexity of the human body, including factors like metabolism, immune responses, and unexpected side effects. As a result, researchers are in need of more realistic models for drug testing, ones that can better mimic the behavior of cancer in the human body.
To address this challenge, scientists from CTIBiotech in France and Bulgaria’s Medical University of Plovdiv, along with biotech firm Transgene, have made a groundbreaking advancement. Published in the medical journal Cancers MDPI, their research titled “World’s First Long-Term Colorectal Cancer Model by 3D Bioprinting as a Mechanism for Screening Oncolytic Viruses” presents a novel approach using 3D bioprinting to create microtumors that accurately mimic the behavior of real-life colon cancer.
By utilizing samples donated by patients who had undergone surgical treatments, the researchers successfully developed protocols to print these 3D cancer models. These models were then nurtured in a lab environment for a record-breaking period ranging from one day to an impressive five months. This long-term study allowed the scientists to observe how the cancer evolved and responded to treatments over time, providing valuable insights into the behavior of the disease.
The results of this study highlight the potential of these bioprinted models in the development of future chemotherapeutic and cellular-therapeutic strategies. The longevity of these models, combined with their ability to accurately replicate the growth and behavior of colon cancer, present a cost-effective system for screening both basic and advanced therapies. This breakthrough has the potential to not only lower patient treatment costs but also enhance the global reach of cancer therapy support.
The success of nurturing these bioprinted models not only represents a significant achievement for the researchers but also opens doors for the future of personalized medicine. With these models, doctors and researchers can potentially determine the most effective therapy tailored specifically for each patient, revolutionizing cancer treatment.
Colin McGuckin, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder of CTIBiotech, emphasizes the importance of this research in the field of cancer treatment. He believes that the development of drugs using human-like tumor models is crucial for the next generation of cancer therapy. McGuckin envisions a future where personalized medicine follows patients day by day, targeting the cancer wherever it may be hiding.
Eric Quemeneur from Transgene and Professor Victoria Sarafian from the Medical University of Plovdiv also highlight the potential of these models in overcoming the limitations of current methods. By providing a promising strategy for precision therapy and drug development, patient-derived tumoroids have become an essential component in the preclinical characterization process.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking research conducted by CTIBiotech, the Medical University of Plovdiv, and Transgene represents a monumental step forward in the fight against cancer. By harnessing the potential of 3D bioprinting, scientists have successfully developed microtumors that accurately mimic the behavior of colon cancer. These models offer a more realistic and cost-effective system for drug testing, paving the way for personalized medicine and precision therapies in the future. The potential impact of this research on the global fight against cancer is immeasurable, providing hope for millions of people diagnosed with this devastating disease.
The recent breakthrough in the field of oncolytic viruses has paved the way for more advanced and accurate models for studying tumor evolution and treatment response. Researchers have successfully created 3D bioprinted microtumors using metastatic colorectal carcinoma cells, allowing for a detailed analysis of tumor features and its microenvironment over a long period of time.
This accomplishment is a significant step towards developing more representative and realistic models for studying the complexity and diversity of tumor phenotypes. It offers immense potential in the development of better therapeutic strategies for treating cancer. According to Quemeneur, the Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Transgene, this research is a game-changer that cannot be overstated.
The collaborative efforts of the researchers involved in this study have resulted in the creation of a reliable platform that could potentially expedite the development of effective cancer treatments. These 3D bioprinted microtumors act as highly realistic practice dummies for the scientific community, providing a close-to-real-world environment to test new drugs. This ensures that promising candidates have a better chance of success when they progress to human trials.
This is not the first groundbreaking achievement by the French startup responsible for this research. They have previously pioneered the production of functional human tissue using bioprinting for applications in regenerative medicine, pharmaceutical development, and the dermal cosmetic industry. With a strong foundation in cancer research, the founders of the startup have perfected the bioprinting technique to create microtumors, with the hope that this technology and tissue models will revolutionize drug development platforms and predictive medicine.
As bioprinting technology continues to advance, CTIBiotech remains at the forefront of Europe’s bioprinting sphere, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and determination. They continue to show the endless possibilities that lie at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and unwavering commitment to scientific progress.
To stay updated on the latest news from the 3D printing industry and to receive information and offers from third-party vendors, make sure to keep an eye out for further developments in this exciting field. The future of cancer research and treatment is poised to witness remarkable advancements thanks to the efforts of dedicated researchers and innovators in the bioprinting community.
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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