Scaffold-guided Breast Surgery Clinical Trial

The Scaffold-guided Breast Surgery Clinical Trial is a world first; and is a collaboration between Professor Owen Ung, RBWH Breast and Endocrine Surgeon and Director of the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Institute (CBCI); and Dr Michael Wagels, RBWH Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Clinical Director of the Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI).

This clinical trial is testing a new treatment for breast issues such as a defect or deformity (for example, following a previous corrective breast procedure). The new treatment is called ‘3D printed scaffold-based soft tissue regeneration’ which uses a combination of the body’s own fat cells (called adipocytes) with a 3D printed scaffold to support soft tissue regeneration in the chest using the natural healing processes of the body.

The method of ‘growing’ new tissue in the breast area uses a 3D printed substance in the form of a scaffold to support the growth of the body’s own tissue. This substance is absorbable after 24 – 36 months (up to three years), and is similar to the substance used for sutures or stitches that are dissolvable or absorbable in the body. The substance used for the scaffold has been approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for bone reconstruction of the skull. The implanted scaffold degrades over time, leaving the body’s own tissue in its place.

The novelty to this trial stems from a new method of ‘growing’ new tissue in the breast area. This method uses a small amount of fat cells from another part of the body (for example, the thighs) and transfers those fat cells inside the scaffold by using conventional liposuction techniques.

Recruitment to this clinical trial has now closed.

Professor Owen Ung, RBWH Breast and Endocrine Surgeon and
Director of the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Institute (CBCI); and
Dr Michael Wagels, RBWH Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and
Clinical Director of the Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI)