4D Breast Cancer Implants Designed with Chemotherapeutic Agents

It is estimated that more than 2.3 million new instances of breast cancer come up every year, with 30% of these resulting in patient death.

New 4D printed implants have been developed for breast cancer patients, engineered to adapt to each person’s body, creating a more effective fit within the breast cavity. Additionally, they have the capacity to discharge chemotherapeutic agents, shielding victims from the local cancer cells resurfacing.

Dr Niamh Buckley, tasked with testing these new implants in vitro, explained that “Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of breast cancer, but it is associated with harsh side effects.” One of the benefits if this product is that it “allows a concentrated delivery of the drug just to where it is needed, can help make treatment more effective and kinder.”

The 4D bioprinter used to create the implants allows their form to adjust and to sit more comfortably in the breast cavity.

The difference between these and previous models is that they are smaller, making them more economical and much simpler to produce. This allows hospitals to use them for immediate, individualised medical care, which lowers costs and gives patients greater treatment choice.

Study Lead, Professor Lamprou explained that, “by making these 4D printed implants, the breast cavity after surgery can be covered with an implant that mimics the elasticity of the breast and provide better management of the breast cancer by releasing a chemotherapeutic drug.”

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