3D Printing Applications in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Being a woman is the biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer. Even though men are not immune to this type of cancer and around 1% are diagnosed with it every year, breast cancer was the most common cancer in women in 2022. According to the WHO, an average of one in twelve women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. And this is global—even if the mortality rate is higher in developing countries than in highly developed regions. In 2022, 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer and 670,000 women died from it.

In breast cancer, abnormal breast cells grow uncontrollably and spread to the whole body if left untreated. Early detection and education about treatment options are crucial to reducing these alarming numbers. For this reason, October has been declared Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 19th is World Breast Cancer Day. In October, we therefore find initiatives in all corners of the world to raise awareness, treatment and coping. In addition, more and more companies and research institutions are developing innovative ways to support women with the disease. Here, we find numerous projects and research approaches where 3D printing is used for breast cancer. Below, you can read about some current approaches in which 3D printing is used to overcome breast cancer.

CollPlant and Stratasys Regenerative Implants

Often, many traditional breast reconstruction procedures rely on a limited supply of human cadaver or animal tissue. CollPlant’s innovative 3D bioprinting approach eliminates this supply barrier, allowing broader access to reconstruction for more patients. This year, CollPlant and Stratasys teamed up on a new preclinical study to produce regenerative breast implants. Combining Stratasys’ Origin system and CollPlant’s rh collagen biotin, the implants will be tested to regenerate natural breast tissue without triggering an immune response. CollPlant had already reported evidence of well-developed connective tissue and blood vessels in the 3D implant as well as tissue growth within it. However, the results of this collaboration will not be known until the second quarter of 2025.