Primary liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), represents a major global health burden, with high incidence and mortality rates. It ranks among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, due largely to late diagnosis and limited therapeutic efficacy. Conventional treatment selection often relies on generalized guidelines rather than individualized response prediction, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
The necessity of utilizing in vitro 3D bioprinting of patient-derived tumor tissue for drug sensitivity testing lies in its ability to closely mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment. This technology allows for the evaluation of therapeutic agents against a biologically relevant model before clinical administration, enabling personalized treatment strategies. Such an approach holds promise for improving drug response prediction, reducing ineffective treatments, and ultimately enhancing patient survival and quality of life.
Therefore, integrating 3D-bioprinted tumor models into pharmacotyping represents a significant advance toward precision oncology in primary liver cancer management.