3D Printing Boosts Head and Neck Cancer Surgery Outcomes

New research shows 3D models help surgeons remove tumors more completely while preserving patient function.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, highly structured painting in soft earth tones depicting sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, representing the complex anatomy and tumor structures involved in head and neck cancer surgery.3D-printed anatomical models are helping head and neck cancer surgeons improve precision and outcomes while preserving patient function.Columbus Today

A study at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) found that using 3D-printed models of patients' anatomy during head and neck cancer surgeries resulted in complete tumor removal in 92% of procedures, compared to 74% without the visual guides. The technology is particularly beneficial for cancers that have invaded bone, giving surgeons a better map to remove the full tumor while sparing important structures to maintain patient function.

Why it matters

Head and neck cancer surgeries can have significant impacts on patients' quality of life, affecting critical functions like speech, chewing, and swallowing. This research demonstrates how 3D printing can enhance surgical precision and outcomes, potentially improving cancer control while preserving patient wellbeing.

The details

The study compared outcomes for 68 patients with bone-invading head and neck cancers treated at OSUCCC – James. 3D models were created and used during surgery for 37 patients, while the remaining 31 surgeries were conducted without the visual guides. Procedures involving the 3D-printed models resulted in complete tumor removal 92% of the time, compared to 74% for operations without the models. The technology is especially beneficial for cancers that have invaded bone, where tumor boundaries are less visible, giving surgeons a detailed map to remove the full tumor while sparing important structures.

  • The study was conducted in 2026 at OSUCCC – James.

The players

Kyle VanKoevering, MD

An otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon) at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).

Matthew Marquardt

A corresponding author of the study and a student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

OSUCCC – James

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, where the research was conducted.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“3D printing can give us tangible tools to use in the operating room. The precision of what we take out is critical to ensure we get the whole tumor, but not so much that we're devastating the patient's function in the long term and taking out things that don't need to be removed.”

— Kyle VanKoevering, MD, Otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon)

“This 3D modeling being completely personalized to each patient is really helping improve the precision in the operating room.”

— Kyle VanKoevering, MD, Otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon)

“This really sets the stage for larger studies looking at how 3D modeling can enhance surgery planning and precision, not just in the field of head and neck cancer surgery but in other areas that involve bone and soft tissue, like orthopedics.”

— Matthew Marquardt, Corresponding author, student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine

What’s next

The research team plans to conduct larger studies to further evaluate the potential of 3D printing to improve surgical outcomes and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients.

The takeaway

This innovative use of 3D printing technology demonstrates how personalized surgical planning can enhance precision, increase complete tumor removal, and preserve critical functions for head and neck cancer patients, setting the stage for broader applications across medical fields.