A collaborative study between Pohang University of Technology and Yonsei University in South Korea has made new progress in the field of precise personalized treatment of gastric cancer. By using 3D bioprinting to highly simulate the biological environment around cancer cells, researchers can predict the potential effects of anti-cancer drugs in patients during the preclinical stage. The research findings were recently published in the international journal Advanced Functional Materials. Predicting the patient's response to drugs and treatment methods is crucial in the preclinical stage. This helps to minimize side effects and improve success rates to the greatest extent possible. However, existing technologies still have some limitations in accurately replicating the pathology of gastric cancer and the complex environment surrounding the tumor. To address this challenge, the research team utilized 3D bioprinting technology and a newly developed patient specific vascular organ model. This model reproduces the actual vascular system and biological conditions of gastric cancer. After incorporating gastric derived extracellular matrix, the cell survival rate can exceed 90%. In addition, the model accurately simulates the clinical response of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors. The human epithelial cell proliferation factor receptor currently used in clinical practice as the sole target has limitations, and new research has created new possibilities for a wider range of treatment methods. Researchers say that advanced biological modeling platforms are crucial for simulating various clinical trials. It is beneficial for the study of cancer mechanisms, can evaluate the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs in advance, and provides a new paradigm for the implementation of cancer precision medicine. (Lai Xin She)