Cancer Engineering: Revolutionizing Cancer Research at Moffitt Cancer Center

Cancer touches all of us. Moffitt Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, and is at the forefront of bioengineering research with its dedicated department. In a new commentary published in Cancer Cell, W. Gregory Sawyer, Ph. D., and Elsa R. Flores, Ph. D., share their visionary framework to accelerate cancer discovery and therapy breakthroughs through bioengineering.

The Promise of Cancer Engineering

Cancer’s complexity has been a formidable obstacle for researchers. Traditional methods often struggle to capture the intricate interplay between cancer cells, the immune system and the surrounding environment. Cancer engineering offers a unique perspective by integrating these diverse fields, creating a powerful platform to develop next-generation solutions.

The 12 Key Fields of Cancer Engineering

Cancer engineering blends 12 key fields, including system dynamics, nanomaterials, robotics, and biofabrication, to tackle cancer from all angles. This powerful platform could lead to advancements in early detection with microfluidic devices and advanced imaging techniques. Additionally, nanomaterials engineered on a microscopic level could revolutionize drug delivery by transporting medications directly to cancer cells with minimal impact on healthy tissues.

3D Bioprinting Technology

3D bioprinting technology offers the potential to create customized tumor models, allowing researchers to test drug efficacy and personalize treatment plans for individual patients. This technology could help overcome some of the challenges of traditional drug discovery, such as the failure of therapies in clinical trials after demonstrating promise in animal models or preclinical studies.

Mathematical Modeling and Other Areas of Cancer Engineering

Sophisticated mathematical modeling, informed by engineering principles, could provide a deeper understanding of cancer’s intricate biological processes, paving the way for developing more effective therapies. Other areas of cancer engineering include microfluidics, which enable clinicians to examine minute blood samples for circulating tumor cells that may indicate early-stage cancer. Furthermore, biofabrication techniques could produce patient-specific implants for reconstructive surgery.

The Future of Cancer Engineering

The possibilities unlocked by cancer engineering are truly exciting. We envision more universities and cancer centers following Moffitt’s lead and creating dedicated cancer engineering programs to foster collaboration and accelerate progress in the fight against cancer. Cancer engineering has the potential to revolutionize how we understand and treat this complex disease, and could ultimately contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

In conclusion, the promise of cancer engineering is transformative. The integration of engineering and physical sciences with oncology will change how we understand and treat cancer. Moffitt Cancer Center’s dedication to this exciting area of research is helping to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer discovery and therapy. We have only begun to scratch the surface of what is possible with cancer engineering.

Originally Post From https://www.moffitt.org/newsroom/news-releases/engineering-cancers-end-moffitt-scientists-say-bioengineering-will-change-our-ability-to-research-and-treat-cancer/

Engineering Cancer’s End Moffitt Cancer Center