Introduction, classification and applications of 3D bioprinted hydrogels for cancer treatment: a review

Abstract

Polymeric hydrogels have become effective materials in cancer therapy because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability and tunable chattels. This review presents a thorough investigation of the synthesis and medicinal uses of different naturally occurring and synthetic hydrogels, for cancer therapy, mainly via 3D modeling and printing. The exceptional biocompatibility of hydrogels, coupled with their remarkable potential for replicating the intricate extracellular matrix (ECM), positions them as ideal materials for constructing scaffolds used in the synthesis of in vitro 3D tumor constructs. Hydrogels can also be used for 3D printing to treat cancer by aiding in accurate control over the composition of hydrogel scaffolds. 3D modeling and printing play an important role in cancer treatment by enabling drug screening. This review distinguishes itself by integrating a comparative analysis of both conventional and emerging hydrogel systems—including natural, synthetic, and hybrid types particularly designed for 3D bioprinting in cancer modeling. This study paves the path for new researchers to explore cancer treatment by combining hydrogel-based materials with advanced techniques.