A new review published in Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews explores the role of patient-derived 3D-bioprinted models in pancreatic cancer research.
The article, led by Daniella Vaskovich-Koubi and co-authored by several researchers from the Cancer Research and Nanomedicine Laboratory at Tel Aviv University, provides a comprehensive overview of current 3D pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) modelling strategies, with a specific focus on patient-derived 3D-bioprinted models.
Many of the authors are actively involved in the scientific activities underpinning TIMNano, contributing expertise across cancer biology, nanomedicine, bioengineering and translational research.
The review discusses key aspects of these models, including bioink composition, extracellular matrix stiffness, perfusion, immuno-compatibility, vascularisation, immune co-culture and biofabrication. It also compares their structural complexity, scalability and potential for drug screening.
These advanced models are increasingly important for reproducing key features of the tumour microenvironment and for supporting the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies in more realistic preclinical settings.
This research area is closely connected to TIMNano’s scientific approach. The project integrates 3D-bioprinted patient-derived tumour models, bioinformatics, nanomedicine and immunology to support the development of innovative nano-immunotherapy strategies for gastrointestinal cancers.
By improving the way tumours are modelled and studied, patient-derived 3D-bioprinted systems can contribute to translational cancer research and help bridge the gap between laboratory studies and future therapeutic development.
Read the review here.
