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3D Printing Technology for Customized Cancer Treatment Plans in UAE

20 Jul, 2024

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Cancer treatment has advanced significantly over the past few decades, with innovations in technology playing a crucial role. Among the most promising developments is 3D printing technology, which is revolutionizing how personalized treatment plans are crafted. In the UAE, hospitals are at the forefront of integrating 3D printing into oncology, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of cancer care. This blog explores how 3D printing technology is transforming cancer treatment in the UAE, its benefits, and the top hospitals leveraging this technology.


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What is 3D Printing in Cancer Treatment?

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, involves creating three-dimensional objects from digital models by layering material. In cancer treatment, this technology is used to produce customized medical devices, implants, and even patient-specific anatomical models. By utilizing a patient’s unique data, such as MRI or CT scans, 3D printing can produce precise replicas of tumors or organs, aiding in the design and planning of surgical procedures and treatment plans.


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The Process of 3D Printing in Brain Tumor Treatment

1. Data Acquisition

The first crucial step in utilizing 3D printing for brain tumor treatment involves acquiring accurate and detailed patient data:

a. Medical Imaging: The patient will have advanced scans like MRI or CT, which give detailed images of the brain. These scans show exactly where the tumor is, how big it is, and how it's affecting nearby brain areas.

b. Digital Model Creation: The scan data is then used to create a 3D digital model of the brain with special software. This model gives a clear view of the tumor and surrounding tissues, which helps doctors plan and personalize the treatment with precision.

2. Model Creation

With the digital data in hand, a detailed 3D model of the patient’s brain is created:

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a. Segmentation: The digital images are processed to separate the tumor from the healthy brain tissue. This means pinpointing and outlining the tumor and other important parts of the brain.

b. 3D Reconstruction: With the segmented data, a 3D model of the brain is created. This model shows the tumor’s exact size, and shape, and how it fits with nearby brain areas. It’s essential for grasping the tumor's complexity and planning the best way to approach surgery.

3. Design and Simulation

Once the 3D model is created, it is used to design and simulate various aspects of the treatment:

a. Surgical Planning: Surgeons use the 3D model to plan the surgery. By seeing the tumor in three dimensions, they can decide on the best way to remove it, aiming to avoid damaging healthy brain tissue and making the operation as safe and effective as possible.

b. Customized Surgical Guides: To make the surgery even more precise, 3D-printed guides are made specifically for the patient's anatomy. These guides act as physical templates during the operation, helping the surgeon make accurate cuts and align the tools exactly where needed.

c. Treatment Simulation: The 3D model also lets surgeons practice different surgical approaches. They can simulate various scenarios and techniques, ensuring they’re fully prepared for the actual surgery.

4. 3D Printing

The finalized designs are brought to life using 3D printing technology:


a. Material Selection: For creating anatomical models and surgical guides, materials that are safe and durable are used. This often means using medical-grade plastics for the models and guides, and sometimes metals for implants if needed.

b. Printing Process: The 3D printer builds these objects layer by layer based on the digital design. It carefully deposits materials to create a detailed and accurate model of the tumor and the surgical guides.

c. Post-Processing: Once printed, the objects go through additional steps to make sure they’re ready for clinical use. This includes cleaning, sterilizing, and making any final adjustments to ensure they meet the necessary standards for the operating room.


5. Integration into Treatment

The 3D-printed objects are integrated into the patient’s treatment plan:

a. Surgical Guides: During the surgery, the 3D-printed guides help the surgeon stay on track. They ensure that the cuts are made precisely and that the tumor is removed with the least possible damage to nearby tissues.

b. Anatomical Models: The 3D-printed brain model gives a clear view of where the tumor is and how it relates to important brain structures. This model is useful for discussing the surgery with the patient and the surgical team before the procedure.

6. Follow-Up and Evaluation

Post-surgery, the outcomes are assessed and evaluated:


a. Outcome Assessment: After the surgery, follow-up imaging and check-ups are used to monitor how well it went. The accuracy provided by 3D printing usually means better results, with fewer complications and a quicker recovery.

b. Ongoing Refinement: Each case provides valuable insights that help improve 3D printing techniques and designs. Ongoing feedback is used to enhance the technology and make it even more effective for future treatments.


Benefits of 3D Printing in Cancer Treatment


a. Personalized Treatment Plans: Instead of relying on generic data and models, 3D printing allows for the creation of custom models and implants that fit each patient’s unique anatomy. This personalization makes surgical interventions and treatments more precise.

b. Enhanced Surgical Planning: Surgeons can use 3D-printed models to get a detailed view of the tumor and nearby tissues. This helps them plan the best way to remove the tumor while avoiding damage to healthy areas, leading to better surgical outcomes.

c. Custom Implants and Prosthetics: For patients needing implants or prosthetics, 3D printing can create devices that perfectly fit their body. This customization enhances comfort, functionality, and overall quality of life.

d. Accelerated Development and Testing: 3D printing speeds up the creation and testing of new medical devices and treatments by allowing quick prototyping. This is crucial for refining solutions before they are used in real clinical situations.

e. Cost-Effectiveness: By producing exactly what is needed, 3D printing helps reduce waste and can be more cost-effective than traditional manufacturing. This is especially useful in areas like cancer treatment where costs can be high.


Top Hospitals in the UAE Utilizing 3D Printing Technology


Burjeel Medical City is renowned for its cutting-edge approach to healthcare. The hospital’s oncology department incorporates 3D printing to create patient-specific tumour models and surgical guides. This technology enhances the accuracy of surgical planning and improves patient outcomes.


  • Established Year: 2012
  • Location: 28th St - Mohamed Bin Zayed City - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates

About The Hospital:

  • Total Number of Beds: 180ICU Beds: 31 (Including 13 Neonatal ICU and 18 Adult ICU Beds)
  • Labour and Delivery Suites: 8
  • Operation Theatres: 10 (Including 1 state-of-the-art Hybrid OR)
  • Day Care Beds: 42
  • Dialysis Beds: 13
  • Endoscopy Beds: 4
  • IVF Beds: 5
  • OR Day Care Beds: 20
  • Emergency Beds: 22
  • Individual Patient Rooms: 135
  • 1.5 & 3.0 Tesla MRI and 64-slice CT scan
  • Luxury Suites: Royal Suites: 6000 sq. ft. each
  • Presidential Suites: 3000 sq. ft.
  • Majestic Suites
  • Executive Suites
  • Premier & Deluxe Rooms
  • Designed to be a hub for tertiary and quaternary oncology treatment.
  • Specializes in adult and pediatric subspecialties, long-term, and palliative care.
  • Offers immunotherapy and molecularly targeted therapies.
  • Provides state-of-the-art diagnosis and compassionate treatment.
  • Offers exceptional support services for patients and their families.
  • Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi offers advanced care and expertise in cardiology, paediatrics, ophthalmology, oncology, IVF, gynaecology & obstetrics, orthopaedics & sports medicine, a dedicated Shoulder and Upper Limb Unit, Burjeel Vascular Centre, and bariatric & metabolic surgery. This state-of-the-art hospital provides comprehensive, top-quality healthcare services to patients, ensuring their unique medical needs are met with the highest level of care and expertise. Burjeel Medical City is committed to providing high-quality medical care in a comfortable and technologically advanced environment.

2. Mediclinic City Hospital


Mediclinic City Hospital leverages 3D printing technology to produce precise anatomical models for surgical planning. The hospital’s commitment to personalized medicine is reflected in its use of this technology to tailor treatments to individual patients.


  • Established Year: 2008
  • Location: 37 26th St - Umm Hurair 2 - Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About The Hospital

  • Mediclinic City Hospital is a state-of-the-art healthcare facility. It is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by highly trained professionals.
  • Number of Beds: 280
  • Number of Surgeons: 3
  • The hospital boasts 80 doctors and over 30 specialists.
  • Neonatal Beds: 27
  • Operating Rooms: 6, plus 3 daycare surgery units, 1 C-section OT
  • Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories: 2
  • Endoscopy suites, fully equipped laboratory, emergency department, labour and post-natal wards.
  • Advanced Medical Technology: PET/CT, SPECT CT, and 3T MRI.
  • The hospital offers specialist-focused treatment in areas such as cardiology, radiology, gynaecology, trauma, nuclear medicine, endocrinology, and more.
  • Mediclinic City Hospital offers specialities in Urology, Neurology, Gynaecology, General Surgery, Gastroenterology, E.N.T, Dermatology, Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Bariatric Surgery, Paediatric Neurology, Paediatric Oncology, and Paediatric Orthopaedics, staffed by top doctors in each field.

3. Saudi German Hospital, Dubai


Saudi German Hospital employs 3D printing technology to improve the accuracy of cancer treatments. They create custom implants and prosthetics tailored to individual patients’ anatomies, as well as pre-surgical models to aid in detailed planning and rehearsal of complex procedures. This approach enhances the precision of surgeries and contributes to better patient outcomes.


  • Established Year - 2012
  • Location: Hessa Street 331 West, Al Barsha 3, Exit 36 Sheikh Zayed Road, Opposite American School - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Hospital Overview

  • Saudi German Hospital – Dubai is part of the biggest private hospital groups in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It began its operations in March 2012 and is the 6th tertiary care hospital of the SGH Group. Number Of Beds: 300 (ICU-47)
  • Number Of Surgeons: 16
  • 24 Adult ICU beds, 12 NICU, and 11 PICU beds.
  • 6 Operating Theaters with 24/7 facility (4 Main OT, 1 for Cesarean Section, and 1 as Septic Room).
  • 2 state-of-the-art Cath Labs covering Vascular, Cerebral, and Cardiac Intervention.
  • 10 Beds under a Dialysis unit with 24-hour service
  • 28 beds ED covering 24/7 services being the largest in the private sector.
  • Availability of Isolation Rooms with a capacity of 8 Beds (Negative Pressure) and 4 Chemotherapy Beds (Positive Pressure).
  • Emergency and Outpatient Pharmacy with 24/7 facility.
  • Radiology with 24/7 facility.
  • 106 Private Rooms and 8 VIP Rooms.
  • Gold certification for Patient-Centered Care Excellence from Planetree International-USA.
  • SGH Dubai Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center has been awarded CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) International accreditation.
  • Accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International), CAP (College of American Pathologists), and ISO 14001, with Clinical Care Program Certification (CCPC) for Acute Myocardial Infarction.
  • Fully equipped CAP accredited Laboratory.
  • In line with the vision of Dubai to establish itself as a one-stop destination for all medical needs, SGH facilitates medical tourism by providing comprehensive medical care packages in the UAE. The hospital has multilingual staff who can assist patients in their language, and help with local accommodation, and flight bookings.

4. ZULEKHA HOSPITAL

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Zulekha Hospital leverages 3D printing to support personalized cancer care. The hospital uses 3D-printed tumor models for pre-surgical planning, allowing surgeons to visualize the tumor’s precise location and relationship with surrounding tissues. Additionally, they produce customized surgical templates to guide precise tumor removal and improve surgical outcomes.

  • Established Year - 2004
  • Location: Doha Street, Al Nadha 2, Al Qusais, Dubai, U.A.E., United Arab Emirates

Hospital Overview

  • Founded by Dr. Zulekha Daud in the mid-1960s
  • Started as a dream to provide affordable medical facilities
  • Evolved into a network of hospitals in the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman
  • Number Of Beds: 140
  • Number of ICU Beds: 10
  • Operation Theaters: 3
  • Started as a dream to provide affordable medical facilities
  • Evolved into a network of hospitals in the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman
  • Offers inpatient and outpatient care with a wide range of specialties
  • Centres of excellence in Cardiology, Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, and Urology
  • Specialized services include Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Neonatal Intensive Care Units, ICU, Dialysis, Radiology, Minimal Invasive Surgeries, Bariatric Surgeries, Joint Replacement Surgeries, Specialized Cancer Care, Cardio Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery
  • Zulekha Hospital in Dubai specializes in Urology, Neurology, Gynecology, General Surgery, Gastroenterology, E.N.T (Ear, Nose, and Throat), Dermatology, Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, and Bariatric Surgery. These specialities ensure that patients receive specialized and comprehensive healthcare services.

5. Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai


Al Zahra Hospital utilizes 3D printing to enhance surgical precision and treatment planning. They create detailed 3D models of tumors and surrounding anatomy, which help surgeons plan complex procedures and develop customized surgical guides. This technology ensures greater accuracy in tumor removal and minimizes damage to healthy tissues.


  • Established Year: 2013
  • Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al BarshaAl Barsha 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

About The Hospital:

  • Total Number of Beds: 187
    • ICU Beds: 21
  • Operation Theatres: 7
  • Number of Surgeons: 1
  • Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, with Joint Commission International accreditation.
  • Offers a wide range of health services with a focus on evidence-based medicine.
  • Equipped with advanced technology.
  • Highly equipped ambulance services accredited by DCAS (Dubai Cooperation for Ambulance Service) and RTA Level 5.
  • Patient rooms are designed for maximum comfort, including luxurious VIP rooms with stunning views of Dubai's landmarks.
  • Committed to providing world-class healthcare with exceptional hospitality.
  • Al Zahra Hospital in Dubai offers a comprehensive range of medical treatments across various specialities, including aesthetic procedures, advanced therapies, surgery, cardiology, neurology, obstetrics, and more. With a skilled team and state-of-the-art facilities, the hospital provides top-quality healthcare services to meet diverse patient needs.

Challenges and Future Directions

While 3D printing offers significant advantages, there are challenges to its widespread adoption in cancer treatment. These include the high initial costs of 3D printing equipment, the need for specialized training for medical professionals, and regulatory considerations.

Looking ahead, advancements in 3D printing technology, such as improved materials and faster production methods, will likely overcome these challenges. The ongoing research and development in this field promise even more personalized and effective cancer treatments in the future.


3D printing technology is revolutionizing cancer treatment in the UAE, offering personalized and precise solutions that enhance patient care. By integrating 3D printing into their treatment plans, UAE hospitals are setting a new standard in oncology. As the technology continues to evolve, it holds the potential to further transform cancer care, providing patients with innovative and effective treatment options. The future of cancer treatment in the UAE looks promising, with 3D printing at the forefront of this exciting evolution in medical technology.

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3D printing, or additive manufacturing, involves creating three-dimensional objects from digital models by layering materials. In cancer treatment, it’s used to produce customized medical devices, implants, and patient-specific anatomical models, enhancing the precision of surgical interventions and treatment planning.