3D-printed films provide targeted liver cancer treatment

Researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) have created drug-loaded, 3D-printed films that could change cancer treatment for the better, having been found to kill more than 80% of liver cancer cells while minimising the systematic toxicities of traditional chemotherapy. Their breakthrough has been described in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics.

UniSA researcher Dr Souha Youssef noted that liver cancer is a highly aggressive and deadly form of cancer, with recurrence rates of up to 70% and a 75% mortality rate.

“The main treatment protocol requires the surgical removal of the tumour followed by chemotherapy, which … is very challenging due to its debilitating side effects,” she said. Many patients choose to discontinue treatment due to its impact on their quality of life, she added, putting them at risk of relapse.

Seeking to solve this issue, researchers developed a post-surgery chemotherapy-loaded film that releases the anticancer drugs 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and cisplatin (Cis) directly into the surgical cavity. The 3D-printed films are placed at the exact surgical site where a cancer has been removed, localising the drugs to the affected area to treat any residual cancer cells and thus limiting the amount that could get into the bloodstream.

Using state-of-the-art 3D printers, researchers have been able to tailor treatment protocols for each patient, with in-lab tests exerting an impressive response rate in the treatment of liver cancer. Senior researcher Professor Sanjay Garg, Co-Director of UniSA’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, said a tailored approach to cancer treatment is essential for improving patient outcomes.

“Due to the heterogeneous nature of cancer, a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer suitable,” Garg said.

“With a simple touch of a button, 3D printers enable endless opportunities to modulate drug release profiles, customise film geometry and add or remove active ingredients based on individual needs.

“Our films also demonstrate controlled drug release lasting up to 23 days, ensuring sustained treatment benefits.

“Importantly, the biodegradable nature of the films adds a significant advantage of eliminating the need for surgical removal post-treatment, making it a more convenient and patient-friendly option for liver cancer therapy.”

Initially designed as an adjuvant treatment for liver cancer, the precision-cut films also have the potential to treat ovarian cancer, head and neck cancer and many other cancers, where 5FU and Cis have already proven successful. The research team will soon move into preclinical trials to establish a crucial correlation between tumour size and the optimal dosing and release profile, setting the stage for potential clinical trials in the future.

Image caption: The 3D-printed gel patches are loaded with exact doses of chemotherapy drugs.