2023-07-24 13:01:04
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Indeed, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it caused around 10 million deaths worldwide in 2020 alone, or nearly one in six deaths. However, although treatment research is constantly ongoing, there is still a long way to go to find a cure. There may be new hope. Scientists from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) and the Korea Research Institute of Bio-sciences and Bio-technology (KRIBB), under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Science and ICT, have announced a new 3D bioprinting technology which they believe might be a new method of treating cancer, especially solid tumors.
Defined as tumors composed of vascular and connective tissue with strength and shape, solid tissue can be difficult to treat, especially with immunotherapy. This treatment uses substances to strengthen the immune system, including natural killer cells (NK cells), a leukocyte that kills cells that are harmful to the human body. Immunotherapy is often recommended for advanced stage cancer patients according to the Cancer Center and is known to be extremely effective in treating certain types of cancers. Hence this latest research.
Korean researchers use 3D bioprinting to treat tumors (photo credits: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM))
Basically, in immunotherapy, NK cells are injected through intravenous injection. However, in this new method, 3D printed hydrogels encapsulate NK cells. This helps prevent NK cell loss, allowing a greater majority of cells to concentrate on the tumor cells themselves. This is achieved by pores that form over time in the hydrogel, made up of sodium alginate and gelatin, allowing the subsequent release of NK cells. And since they were injected into the hydrogel, printed and then cultured, cell viability and NK cell activity are also enhanced.
So far, the research has been promising. In the research paper, it was noted that the hydrogel created a suitable environment for NK cells, thus making 3D bioprinting of NK cells a viable potential therapy and paving the way for even more effective cancer treatment. Lead researcher Su A Park of KIMM concluded: “This technology can help significantly improve the functionality of NK cells used for cancer treatment. We hope to contribute to the treatment of cancer patients with this newly developed technology. You can download the full research ICI.
Photo credits: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM)
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*Cover photo credits: University of Louvain
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