3D Printing: A New Dimension in Cancer Treatment.

3D-printed physical models help surgeons plan, train and work more quickly.

4 ways 3D models revolutionize medicine.

1. Personalized Medicine

   • Radiology images are used to create patient-specific, life-size 3D printed models.
   • A 3D printer creates a physical model showing the location of tumors along with bone, internal organs, nerves and blood vessels.
   • Medical professionals use the model to plan surgery, map out challenges and discuss a range of treatments.

2. Patient Care Benefits

   • Smaller incisions: Less need for exploratory surgery.
   • Faster surgeries: Surgeons work out each step in advance.
   • Faster recoveries: Due to less invasive and extensive surgery.
   • Precise reconstruction: 3D printers can produce patient-specific cutting guides for use in bone and tissue reconstruction. In some cases, custom titanium implants are 3D printed.

3. Education

   • Helps individuals understand their options – showing the cancer and how it can be addressed helps people make better informed decisions about treatment.
   • Allows surgeons to train future doctors on models.

4. Research

   • More accurate modeling in research labs.
   • 3D printed tumors used to test treatments.
   • A support system can be 3D printed to allow the person's stem cells to attach and grow new bone or cartilage.

Produced by Mayo Clinic. Sources: mayoclinic.org; ScientificAmerican.com; Ncbi.Nim.Nih.gov.