FDM 3D printing, a leader among new technologies, is now used to investigate personalized treatments for breast and prostate cancer. 3D printing allows the manufacture of fully customized support and immobilization tools, which are very important to guarantee the success of the treatment.
HeroSupport: Contributing to delicate care with a 3D printer
Giovanna di Pasquale with a 3D printed piece. (Credits: 3ntr)
HeroSupport is the name of the start-up launched by Giovanna Dipasquale, a medical physicist at the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG). This is a project aimed at simplifying cancer treatment with innovative personalized supports. Its task is to reproduce and fix the patient’s body in the established position in all treatment sessions.
For the creation of these immobilization tools, the start-up has the valuable contribution of a 3D printer manufactured by 3ntrthe A2v4 WITH. This printer uses FDM technology and has special features to suit the medical environment as well as HeroSupport requirements.
Treatment of breast cancer respecting the comfort and privacy of women, thanks to 3D printing
“The idea for the treatment of breast cancer”explains Giovanna Dipasquale, “It is a rigid 3D printed immobilization system that adapts to the precise personal shape of each woman. With the help of 3D printing, we transform the treatment and diagnostic imaging tables into personalized supports, so that the patient does not have to adjust to the table, but instead it adapts to each patient in a unique way. This brings precision, simplicity, greater reproducibility, time savings and patient comfort to clinical practice”.
The immobilization systems, called VENUS shellTM, are created with the A2v4 MED 3D printer using the polymer ABS HD MED, also manufactured to HeroSupport requirements. VENUS shellTM is specifically intended for radiotherapy of breast cancer in the prone position, in which the patient lies on a table with the affected chest hanging down and away from the body. In this position, harmful radiation to other parts of the body, especially the lungs, is minimized. The frames are customized to perfectly fit each woman’s shape and her chest in the prone position.
Both the prototypes and the final product are manufactured on the 3ntr 3D printer with great precision. Added to the millimeter precision of the placement of the breasts is greater comfort for the patient. A result that would not have been possible without the A2v4 MED 3D printer.
3D FDM printing contributes financially to the care pathway
The 3ntr A2v4 MED 3D printer proved to be a valuable contribution, also in economic terms, by allowing the supports to be produced at a low cost.
“FDM technology is also a perfect solution in terms of price. There was no point in looking elsewhere and risking unaffordable figures. With the 3ntr solution we can achieve a specific therapy, reduce preparation time, waiting time and hospital costs”.
Name? The vision of a superhero!
“The name HeroSupport”concludes Giovanna Dipasquale, “It reflects the literal and metaphorical support we want to give our patients: true superheroes, who fight every day with challenging therapies, as well as big and small daily problems”.
*Cover photo credits: 3ntr
