Pioneering Australian research has unveiled a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment through the use of 3D-printed films embedded with drugs. Developed by a team from the University of South Australia (UniSA), these post-surgery films have demonstrated remarkable efficacy, with the capacity to eliminate over 80 percent of liver cancer cells and significantly reduce recurrence rates.
Crafted from specialized gels, these films are infused with customized doses of anti-cancer medications, including 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and cisplatin (Cis). Positioned precisely at the surgical site following cancer removal, these films deliver localized drug therapy, targeting residual cancer cells while mitigating the adverse effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.
The study highlights the versatility of these films, suggesting their potential application in treating various cancers where 5FU and Cis have previously shown effectiveness, such as ovarian cancer and head and neck cancer.
Souha Youssef, a co-author of the study from the Center for Pharmaceutical Innovation at UniSA, believes that the films could revolutionize liver cancer treatments, particularly for patients who cease post-surgery chemotherapy due to its severe side effects. “There are concerning statistics indicating how many patients opt to discontinue treatment due to its harshness and its impact on their quality of life,” she stated in a press release on Monday. “This targeted approach ensures that the drugs are released directly into the affected area, with lower amounts entering the bloodstream, thus mitigating the serious side effects associated with high doses.”
The films contain precise doses of the drugs, delivered over a 23-day period, and are biodegradable, eliminating the need for surgical removal. Utilizing advanced 3D printing technology, researchers were able to customize treatment protocols for each patient, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy.
Separate research published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2022 revealed that in 2020, approximately 905,700 individuals worldwide were diagnosed with liver cancer, with 830,200 deaths attributed to the disease.
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