Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Share By
Advances in 3D Bioprinting for Breast Cancer Modeling: Tumor Microenvironment, Metastasis, and Drug Screening Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Could 3D printing advance breast cancer tests? A review suggests printed tumor environments may improve drug screening, though model realism remains a challenge. #BreastCancer #Bioprinting

Nakipoglu M ; Mahmoodi M ; Apu E H ; Shahabipour F ; Emir Diltemiz S ; Saha S ; Alem H ; Ashammakhi N
Authors

Source: Advanced Healthcare Materials Published:2026


Abstract

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and heterogeneous milieu encompassing biological and biochemical events and diverse physical, chemical, and mechanical interactions between tumor and stromal cells. This heterogeneity plays a pivotal role in regulating tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. In breast cancer, cancer-associated fibroblasts, adipocytes, endothelial cells, and immune cells all contribute to this intricate environment, necessitating precise spatial and cellular modeling to better replicate physiological conditions. Moreover, angiogenesis and metastasis are key contributors to breast cancer mortality. Therefore, three-dimensional (3D) models that incorporate co-cultures of cancer and stromal cells are essential for recreating realistic TMEs. This review highlights the advances in 3D bioprinting technologies for modeling the breast cancer TME. We discuss their potential in drug screening, explore their advantages and limitations, and outline future directions to enhance their fidelity and translational relevance. © 2026 The Author(s). Advanced Healthcare Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Related Docs
View other Related Docs
1. 3D Bioprinting Technology to Mimic the Tumor Microenvironment: Tumor-On-A-Chip Concept, Materials Today Advances (2021)
2. The Progressive Trend of Modeling and Drug Screening Systems of Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis, Journal of Biological Engineering (2024)
3. Patient-Derived Xenograft (Pdx) Models, Applications and Challenges in Cancer Research, Journal of Translational Medicine (2022)
Experts (# of related papers)
View all Related Experts
Somayeh Ebrahimi Barough (1)
Amir Ali Hamidieh (1)
Advances in 3D Bioprinting for Breast Cancer Modeling: Tumor Microenvironment, Metastasis, and Drug Screening
Other Related Docs
4. Modeling Tumor Growth: The Impact of Nutrient Consumption, and Mechanical Stress, (2024)
5. Three-Dimensional Bio-Printed Microtissues: Precision Medicine Approach in Primary Liver Cancer, Regenerative Medicine (2025)
6. A Thermo-Sensitive Hydrogel Composed of Methylcellulose/Hyaluronic Acid/Silk Fibrin As a Biomimetic Extracellular Matrix to Simulate Breast Cancer Malignancy, European Polymer Journal (2022)
7. Emerging in Vitro 3D Tumour Models in Nanoparticle-Based Gene and Drug Therapy, Trends in Biotechnology (2018)
8. Tumor Extracellular Matrix Enhances Invasive Gene Expression of Breast Cancer Cells in 3D Patient-Derived Scaffolds, Scientific Reports (2025)
9. Contribution of Tumor Microenvironment (Tme) to Tumor Apoptosis, Angiogenesis, Metastasis, and Drug Resistance, Medical Oncology (2025)
10. Pathogenesis of Breast Cancer Metastasis to Brain: A Comprehensive Approach to the Signaling Network, Molecular Neurobiology (2016)
11. Exploring Bone-Tumor Interactions Through 3D in Vitro Models: Implications for Primary and Metastatic Cancers, Journal of Bone Oncology (2025)
12. Tissue Engineering Applications in Breast Cancer, Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology (2020)
13. A Multiscale Cell-Based Model of Tumor Growth for Chemotherapy Assessment and Tumor-Targeted Therapy Through a 3D Computational Approach, Cell Proliferation (2022)
14. 3D Nanoscaffolds: Bridging the Gap Between Tumor Microenvironment and Therapy, Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy (2026)
15. The Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer and the Potential Therapeutic Approaches, Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis (2022)
16. Molecular Docking As a Therapeutic Approach for Targeting Cancer Stem Cell Metabolic Processes, Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022)
17. Integrative Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Novel Targets for Personalized Medicine Across Seven Metastatic Breast Cancer Subtypes, Scientific Reports (2026)
18. Antitumor Effects in Gas Plasma-Treated Patient-Derived Microtissues—An Adjuvant Therapy for Ulcerating Breast Cancer?, Applied Sciences (Switzerland) (2021)