Background: Head and neck cancers (HNC) account for approximately 3–4% of all malignant tumors, with around 650,000 new diagnoses annually, making them the fifth most common neoplasm worldwide. More than 90% of these cases exhibit aggressive behavior and require ablative surgery, which may result in partial or total loss of facial structures and significant functional sequelae. These alterations negatively impact patients’ quality of life, particularly mental health, due to changes in self-image, decreased self-esteem, and increased social isolation. In situations where surgical reconstruction options are limited or insufficient to achieve adequate functional and aesthetic rehabilitation, facial prostheses become an effective alternative for comprehensive rehabilitation of oncology patients.
Objective: To develop and strengthen the human, technical, and technological capacities of the National Cancer Institute for the implementation of 3D printing and virtual reality technologies in the design and fabrication of facial prostheses aimed at the comprehensive rehabilitation of oncology patients.
Methods: A technological innovation process will be developed, integrating 3D printing, anaplastology, and virtual reality for the design and fabrication of personalized facial prostheses. Three-dimensional models will be created using digital medical imaging and 3D scanning, followed by computer-aided design (CAD), rapid prototyping, 3D printing, and post-processing. In addition, an immersive virtual reality experience will be designed for educational purposes, aimed at informing patients about the prosthetic process and managing their expectations. Finally, patients’ psychosocial perceptions will be evaluated before and after the prosthetic rehabilitation process.
Expected Results: The project is expected to strengthen the human, technical, and technological capacities of the National Cancer Institute in the use of 3D printing and virtual reality for the fabrication of personalized facial prostheses, contributing to improved quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. Furthermore, it is projected to promote research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) within the Innovation Co-Creation Laboratory through the integration of 3D technologies into clinical practice and the promotion of the creation of a Prosthetic Rehabilitation Unit at the Institute. Additionally, a positive impact on quality of care and patient satisfaction is anticipated, along with expanded access to prosthetic rehabilitation alternatives in different regions of the country, based on the deployment of institutional capacities as a public institution and national reference center for comprehensive cancer control.
Conclusions: The incorporation of 3D printing and virtual reality technologies into facial prosthetic rehabilitation represents an innovative and cost-effective strategy to improve comprehensive care for oncology patients. This project contributes to institutional strengthening, advances in health innovation, and the reduction of gaps in access to specialized rehabilitation services, with an approach centered on patients’ quality of life, dignity, and social inclusion.