Cancer, a devastating disease that claims the lives of millions worldwide, continues to be a leading cause of death. With advancements in medical research often taking years to materialize, many patients are unable to benefit from new innovations. However, a pioneering startup called Carcinotech may have found a solution. By utilizing 3D bioprinting, Carcinotech is able to create living tumors that can be used to offer personalized treatment to each individual patient. We recently had the opportunity to speak with Carcinotech’s CEO and founder, Ishani Malhotra, to learn more about the company, its technology, and the potential role of 3D printing in healthcare.
Ishani Malhotra is a distinguished leader in the field of oncology and stem cell research, boasting a decade of experience and an impressive educational background that includes degrees from the University of Edinburgh and a Certificate of Achievement from Harvard Medical School. Prior to establishing Carcinotech, Malhotra worked with esteemed organizations such as Censo Biotechnologies, HCG Oncology hospitals, The Institute of Cytology and Preventative Oncology, and Stempeutics. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades, such as being listed as a Director of the Year Regional finalist at the Institute of Directors Scotland 2021 awards, being named one of 35 Rising Stars by Scottish Business Insider under 35, and winning the Female Entrepreneur of the Year award at The Scottish SME Business Awards 2022.
Carcinotech is a MedTech company specializing in the manufacture of 3D-printed living tumors derived from patient biopsies, primary cells, immune cells, and cancer stem cells. The company’s advanced models offer a platform for rapid, ethical, and accurate drug screening, pre-clinical trials, and personalized medicine testing. Malhotra has cultivated significant international partnerships to advance Carcinotech’s vision of providing personalized drug testing platforms for individuals suffering from cancer. Additionally, she has collaborated with reputable organizations such as Cellink and Cancer Research UK to validate the company’s technology.
The motivation behind Carcinotech stems from Malhotra’s encounter with a young boy diagnosed with leukemia a decade ago. Realizing that it would take a substantial amount of time for an innovative treatment to reach the market, Malhotra was disheartened by the fact that the boy would not be able to access it within his lifetime. With the World Health Organization predicting that the number of cancer cases will reach 22 million by 2030, the urgency to address the inefficiencies of current drug manufacturing techniques became clear. Malhotra was determined to develop a technology that could accelerate the process of bringing cancer drugs to market, making innovative treatments accessible to all.
In 2018, Malhotra founded Carcinotech based on her research at the University of Edinburgh. Through funding from Scottish Enterprise, she obtained the necessary resources to establish a proof of concept and validation data, paving the way for securing seed investment to commercialize the technology and drive the growth of the company. Carcinotech’s mission is to lead the way in cancer drug testing while providing personalized medicine testing to every individual battling cancer, ultimately improving their chances of treatment and survival.
The team at Carcinotech comprises experienced scientists who meticulously research each type of cancer of interest. They focus on identifying the most relevant aspects of the cancer, including key cell types and components of the Tumor Micro-Environment (TME). This research helps determine the crucial cell types that can be assessed, quantified, and targeted using Carcinotech’s 3D-printed tumors. Moreover, the team incorporates key proteins as part of the Extra-Cellular Matrix (ECM) to accurately replicate the TME as it exists within the patient. Through this research, Carcinotech ensures that their 3D-printed tumors are customized to each specific cancer type, incorporating a custom panel of key cells and ECM. The bioprinting process is then optimized to ensure consistency and accuracy, tailored to the unique characteristics of each cancer type. Each offering undergoes rigorous quality control testing, guaranteeing the viability of key cell types and components for drug testing purposes. Furthermore, each new cancer type is tested against the established standard to ensure its efficacy.
Carcinotech’s groundbreaking work in utilizing 3D bioprinting to create living tumors for cancer research holds tremendous potential. Through personalized medicine testing and efficient drug screening, Carcinotech aims to revolutionize the field and improve outcomes for individuals battling cancer. With Ishani Malhotra at the helm, Carcinotech is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer and provide hope for patients worldwide.
Revolutionizing Cancer Research: The Power of 3D-Printed Tumors
In the world of cancer research, finding innovative and effective treatments is crucial for saving lives. Traditional models for drug testing and research often fall short in providing accurate and representative results. That’s where Carcinotech comes in. As the only business using 3D-printed living tumors for drug testing and cancer research, they are revolutionizing the field and paving the way for more advanced and personalized therapies.
The use of 3D-bioprinting technology allows Carcinotech to create tumors that closely mimic real tumors found in patients. Unlike 2D models or homogenous 3D models, these 3D-printed tumors capture the complexity and heterogeneity of living tumors, providing robust and reliable data for drug screening and testing. The technology brings us one step closer to more effective and tailored therapies for cancer patients.
One of the key benefits of using Carcinotech’s technology is the speed and efficiency it offers. Traditional organoid models can take up to 90 days to be ready for drug testing, while Carcinotech’s 3D-printed tumors are assay-ready within just 7 days. This rapid turnaround time allows for quicker evaluation of drug efficacy and saves valuable time in the search for effective treatments. Additionally, Carcinotech’s high-throughput formats ensure consistent and enriching data analysis, a feature that is lacking in traditional models.
What sets Carcinotech apart is its commitment to biologically relevant methods for drug testing. Each tumor is printed using a custom Extracellular Matrix (ECM) that matches the original tumor environment. This means that the models capture the heterogeneity of each patient’s tumor, including their immune cells. This personalized approach opens up new possibilities in personalized medicine, allowing surgeons and oncologists to test treatment options and create tailored treatment plans for each individual patient. Moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach can greatly improve the chances of survival and quality of life for cancer patients.
While Carcinotech’s technology shows immense promise, the adoption of this innovative approach within the pharmaceutical and Contract Research Organization (CRO) sector remains a challenge. However, thanks to the robust data provided by their 3D-printed tumors, Carcinotech is gaining traction and making strides towards wider acceptance within these sectors. The potential of 3D printing in healthcare is already evident, and its impact on fields like oncology is immeasurable. Carcinotech aims to be at the forefront of this revolution, addressing some of the biggest challenges in cancer research.
One major hurdle Carcinotech has overcome is replicating the tumor microenvironment, specifically the immune system of patients. This intricate and complex process required continuous development and experimentation. By using the patient’s own immune cells, Carcinotech has successfully broken down this barrier, advancing the capabilities of cancer research and paving the way for more effective immunotherapies.
Looking forward, Carcinotech is seeking long-term partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and CROs in the oncology space. By collaborating with the right partners, they aim to accelerate the development of innovative treatments such as mRNA therapeutics, cancer vaccines, and immunotherapies. By working together, they can ensure better survival rates and enhanced access to treatments for every individual suffering from cancer.
To learn more about Carcinotech and their groundbreaking work, visit their website and follow them on social media. The possibilities for 3D-printed micro-tumors in cancer research are truly exciting, and Carcinotech is leading the charge. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this incredible innovation, so leave a comment below or connect with us on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest news in 3D printing.
*All Photo Credits: Carcinotech*
