Aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women in the United States, with an estimated 42,170 deaths expected in 2025 alone. As advancements in screening and treatments continue to evolve, researchers at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, associated with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, are adopting innovative technologies to aid women who have undergone mastectomies.<\/p>\n
Mastectomy procedures involve the removal of one or both breasts in the treatment or prevention of cancer. This research team is developing personalized breast prostheses using advanced scanning and 3D printing methods, allowing for customization to each patient’s unique anatomy. Their primary goal is to produce these prostheses directly in a doctor’s office, enhancing accessibility, reducing waiting times, and making them more affordable compared to current options.<\/p>\n
After a mastectomy, many women opt for prostheses to restore their breast shape under clothing. Unfortunately, the high costs of custom-made prostheses can lead some patients to forgo this option due to lack of insurance or awareness regarding available alternatives. Dr. Victor Stams, a plastic surgeon at CI MED, and Rand Kittani, an internal medicine student, are working together to create a method for onsite manufacturing of 3D printed prostheses at lower costs. They aim to produce prostheses priced between $50 and $200, avoiding long delays typically associated with obtaining conventional prosthetics. Dr. Stams emphasizes that, beyond cost and convenience, the project offers patients a sense of dignity and agency during vulnerable times.<\/p>\n
Inspired by Julien Montenero, a French anatomist who crafts realistic breast prostheses from 3D body images, the Illinois team utilizes affordable 3D scanners to create digital models of healthy breasts before surgery. This technology allows rapid production of prostheses that are meticulously tailored for each patient, improving aesthetic results and patient comfort.<\/p>\n