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INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF

CancerGenetics

• From In Vitro Modeling to Clinical Applications: The Role of 3D Printing in Prostate Cancer Treatment

• Ayda Khatibi,^1,* Naimeh Mahheidari,² Leila Rezakhani,³ Mozafar Khazaei,⁴ Dilan Adil Jalal,⁵
  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Institute of Higher Education of Nabi Akram, Tabriz, Iran.
  2. Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
  3. Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
  4. Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
  5. Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
  
  
  
• Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most prevalent malignancies and a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with an estimated 1.3 million new cases and 400,000 deaths annually. Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies, the disease continues to impose a significant burden, particularly due to late-stage diagnosis and therapy resistance. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems and animal models fail to fully recapitulate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, limiting the translational value of preclinical studies. In this context, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative technology, offering biomimetic tumor models and patient-specific clinical applications that bridge the gap between laboratory research and personalized medicine.
• Methods: This review systematically analyzed studies published between 2015 and 2025 from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Emphasis was placed on scaffold-based 3D-printed models applied in prostate cancer, both for in vitro drug screening and clinical interventions. Scaffold biomaterials such as chitosan–alginate, collagen, GelMA, and PLGA were evaluated for their biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. Prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3, DU145, LNCaP) and co-culture systems with stromal or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were examined for their capacity to replicate tumor heterogeneity, angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug resistance. Clinical studies integrating imaging modalities (MRI/CT) with additive manufacturing for surgical planning, brachytherapy applicators, and personalized drug delivery were also assessed.
• Results: Scaffold-based 3D-printed models provided significantly enhanced simulation of prostate tumor biology compared to 2D systems. Chitosan–alginate scaffolds supported long-term tumor growth, CSC enrichment, and immune interactions, while collagen-based hydrogels enabled bone metastasis modeling and siRNA delivery. GelMA hydrogels allowed precise tuning of stiffness and facilitated co-culture with adipocytes and osteoblasts, thereby replicating bone metastatic niches. PLGA-based scaffolds demonstrated versatility in local drug delivery, with successful encapsulation of agents such as docetaxel, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and triptorelin, offering controlled release and reduced systemic toxicity. Across these models, critical pharmacological endpoints—including IC₅₀ shifts, drug penetration, apoptosis markers, and resistance gene expression (e.g., ABCB1, BCL-2)—were more accurately captured than in 2D culture. Clinically, 3D printing demonstrated remarkable benefits. Patient-specific anatomical models improved preoperative planning for radical prostatectomy, reducing surgical time and postoperative complications. Customized boluses and applicators enhanced precision in external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy by optimizing dose distribution while sparing adjacent organs at risk (OARs). Furthermore, biodegradable scaffolds enabled localized and sustained release of chemotherapeutics and antiandrogens, showing synergistic effects in preclinical studies. Emerging applications included the integration of 3D bioprinting with microfluidics for high-throughput drug testing and the use of patient-derived cells to construct personalized tumor avatars capable of predicting treatment response.
• Conclusion: 3D printing has redefined the landscape of prostate cancer research and treatment. By offering platforms that bridge in vitro studies and clinical applications, this technology enables more predictive drug screening, reduces reliance on animal testing, enhances surgical precision, and supports localized drug delivery systems. Future directions should focus on optimizing bioinks, incorporating patient-derived cells, integrating biosensors and microfluidics, and advancing regulatory frameworks to facilitate clinical translation. Ultimately, scaffold-based 3D-printed models and clinical tools represent pivotal steps toward personalized medicine in prostate cancer care.
• Keywords: Prostate Cancer, 3D Printing, Scaffold-Based Models, Drug Delivery, Personalized Medicine