Generation of a bioartificial fibromuscular tissue with autoregenerative capacities for surgical reconstruction

IntroductionAnecdotal clinical reports denote first tissue engineering applications entering medical practice. Currently it is still unknown, if these new types of implants will tolerate the specific needs in cancer patients undergoing postoperative chemo- and radiotherapy.MethodsWe implemented a radiotherapy protocol (cumulative dosis 40 Gy) on generated human bioartificial fibromuscular tissues in vitro. We monitored tissue vitality during radiotherapy and tissue recovery (8 weeks follow up period) applying histological methods.ResultsThe biopsy procedure and seeding techniques yielded a viable 3 dimensional bioartificial human tissue. Radiation resulted in immediate devitalization without destroying tissue integrity. The bioartificial tissue recovered entirely in vitro within 6 weeks.ConclusionBioartificial human implants appear applicable for surgical reconstruction in oncologic patients potentially facing postoperative radiotherapy.