Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have developed a dissolvable 3D-printed patch equipped with microscopic needles designed to treat localised skin cancer more effectively, according to reports from the Irish Mirror and RTÉ. Announced in August 2026, the device delivers two anti-cancer drugs directly through the skin’s outer layer without drawing blood, aiming to reduce the need for invasive procedures.
How the 3D-Printed Microneedle Patch Works
The device relies on a one-step manufacturing method created by Queen’s University Belfast researchers Rutuja N Meshram, a final-year PhD student, and Professor Dimitrios A Lamprou, chair of Biofabrication and Advanced Manufacturing in the School of Pharmacy. According to the Irish Mirror, the team blends two specific anti-cancer medications—curcumin and 5-fluorouracil—directly into a printable resin prior to forming the microneedles.
The resulting array of tiny needles passes safely through the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of human skin, without causing bleeding. By releasing the therapeutic compounds directly at the tumor site, the patch achieves targeted delivery that traditional creams or systemic treatments often miss.
Patient Impact and Clinical Objectives
Current treatment pathways for localised skin cancer frequently involve repeated topical applications, surgical interventions, or injections that cause patient discomfort and anxiety. Professor Lamprou noted that many individuals experience fear or inconvenience when procedures involve hypodermic needles.
“Minimally invasive microneedle systems that dissolve after application could provide a more patient-friendly, simpler and less painful way to deliver cancer medicines,” Professor Lamprou stated, as reported by the Irish Mirror. Because the physical structure dissolves entirely after use, the technology also minimizes medical sharps waste and eliminates the risk of accidental needle-stick injuries for healthcare workers.
Manufacturing and Next Steps
The integration of the drugs straight into the resin during the 3D-printing process streamlines production compared to traditional coating methods, which often struggle with uniform drug distribution.
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