Mexican Scientists Unveil World-First 3D Printed Breast Models for Advanced Cancer Detection

MEXICO CITY – A groundbreaking medical innovation originating from Mexico is set to revolutionize breast cancer diagnosis and treatment globally. Dr. Juan Alfonso Beltrán Fernández, a distinguished researcher from the National Polytechnic Institute's (IPN) ESIME Zacatenco, has unveiled a novel technology that allows for the 3D printing of human breast models with unprecedented accuracy. This development, presented at the ACEX 2025 Conference in Naples, Italy, has garnered international attention for its potential to significantly impact oncology practices. Dr. Beltrán Fernández's invention involves creating highly precise 3D replicas of a patient's breast, including skin, ducts, nipples, blood vessels, lobes, and lymph nodes, achieving 80-100% anatomical fidelity. These models are produced using a specialized photopolymer resin and take approximately 8-9 hours to print. The most remarkable feature of this technology is its ability to make cancerous tumors glow fluorescent green when exposed to polarized light through a custom-designed device. This innovative approach offers several critical advantages over traditional diagnostic methods. Currently, mammograms provide two-dimensional, often ambiguous, images, frequently leading to painful and sometimes unnecessary biopsies. With the 3D printed models, physicians can visually and tactilely identify the exact location and extent of tumors before any surgical intervention or biopsy. This allows for meticulous surgical planning, potentially leading to more precise operations and better patient outcomes. Furthermore, the tangible models enable medical students to train with realistic anatomical structures and empower patients to better understand their diagnosis and treatment plan. According to an official IPN press release (#58-2025), this technology did not exist anywhere else in the world prior to its development in Mexico. Its introduction is anticipated to reduce thousands of unnecessary biopsies, improve surgical accuracy, accelerate diagnoses, alleviate patient anxiety, and lower medical costs, particularly benefiting public hospitals through accessible technology. The international scientific community reportedly reacted with 'absolute silence followed by great applause' upon its presentation, acknowledging the profound impact of this Mexican scientific achievement.