Animal models are recognized as imperfect, leading to the development of alternative models like organoid systems, which use human cells and tissues. However, these systems have limitations such as reliance on limited tissue quantities and potential lack of certain cell types and vascular features. These limitations complicate preclinical research and therapeutic development, with therapeutics potentially behaving differently in organoid systems compared to the human body. This poses challenges, particularly in personalized cancer patient care where individualized insights are crucial. Carcinotech addresses these challenges by 3D printing tumors that closely mimic human biopsies, providing more physiologically relevant and human-based tumor tissues. This enables faster and more extensive assays, helping identify effective candidates early in the development process.
Keywords: organoids, 3D printed tumors, alternative disease model