Researchers have identified how new advances in 3D bioprinting, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip technologies can aid in early detection of cancer.
This new review, led by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute, examines several cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to revolutionize early detection of cancer, allowing for better treatment and higher survival rates.
This study highlights how new approach methodologies and advances in tissue engineering are providing powerful new tools to study the early stages of cancer development.
New approach methodologies utilize human-relevant technologies such as in vitro testing, organoids, organs on chips, and computer modeling to replace, reduce, and improve animal testing.
New approach methodology opens new clues about cancer
These lab-built models recreate the environment inside the human body and may reveal clues about how cancer develops.
At the helm of a new chip-based system that more accurately mimics the human bone tumor environment, the team is using advanced bioengineering to create more realistic in vitro models.
This represents an important step forward in the Food and Drug Administration’s transition to human cell-based systems and a key milestone in the transition away from animal testing.
Louis Bertassoni, senior author of the study, explains:
“These new technologies give us a window into how cancer forms and progresses. This opens the door to understanding early cancer, early diagnosis, and even predicting the onset of cancer.”
Scientists don’t fully understand how healthy tissue becomes cancerous
Despite years of cancer research, scientists know little about what happens in the body during the early stages of cancer.
The main reason is the lack of access to early-stage tumor samples, especially those from hard-to-reach organs. Patients usually come to the clinic after symptoms appear, but it is often too late.
Without early cancer samples, it is difficult to understand the changes that occur when healthy tissue becomes cancerous.
Tissue engineering improves early cancer detection rate
Tissue engineering can help fill that gap. Recent technologies developed over the past decade, including those designed at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, have enabled scientists to recreate the complexities of cancer in the lab.
These models have recently been prioritized as so-called new approach methodologies for medical research, allowing researchers to precisely recreate and manipulate the initial tumor environment, allowing them to test how specific cellular, genetic, or environmental factors influence cancer development.
This approach also supports the discovery of new biomarkers, biological danger signals that help clinicians detect cancer earlier and more accurately.
“This is a really exciting time in cancer research,” Bertassoni said. “Momentum is growing to integrate cancer biology, engineering, and clinical treatment. There are many avenues that did not exist before.”
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