Advancing Cancer Treatment with Mechano-Electrically Active Tissue Engineering

Cancer is one of the most malignant diseases and a leading cause of death worldwide. Among the various types of cancer, sarcomas, which develop from connective tissues such as muscles, fat, and bones, can lead to aggressive solid tumors. Additionally, breast cancer, which primarily originates from the epithelial cells of the mammary ducts or lobes, is another prevalent form. The incidence of sarcomas is higher during childhood and adolescence, while breast cancer predominantly affects adults. Current therapeutic strategies include conventional chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection. However, ongoing research aims to discover less aggressive and more effective approaches, as preventive measures are more acceptable and outweigh potential risks. In this context, a promising strategy is the development of therapies based on tissue engineering (TE) concepts, as these methods allow for the modulation of cell behavior through the implementation of scaffold structures and the application of biochemical or biophysical stimuli.<br/>In this work, we introduce electroactive scaffolds, specifically piezoelectric ones, commonly used for bone and skeletal muscle regeneration, as a novel approach to address and mitigate both sarcoma-related cancers and breast cancer. It is successfully demonstrated that electrically active dynamic microenvironments can be suitable to develop new effective cancer therapy strategies. These strategies not only target cancer cells but also support the regeneration of damaged tissues. The integration of electroactive scaffolds into therapeutic protocols shows potential in enhancing the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing the adverse effects associated with conventional therapies. The results indicate that piezoelectric scaffolds can modulate cellular activities, promote tissue regeneration, and create an inhospitable environment for cancer cell proliferation, thereby offering a multifaceted approach to cancer therapy.