Solid tumour chemotherapy using implantable collagen-poly (HEMA) hydrogel containing 5-fluorouracil

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Oncology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Solid tumors like fibrosarcoma pose significant treatment challenges.
• Conventional chemotherapy, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), can have limitations in efficacy and delivery.
• Novel drug delivery systems are needed to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antitumour efficacy of implantable collagen-poly(HEMA) hydrogels containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
• To compare the efficacy of hydrogel-based 5-FU delivery with free 5-FU injection in a fibrosarcoma rat model.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of implantable hydrogel pellets containing 5-FU.
• Induction of fibrosarcoma in Wistar rats.
• Treatment groups included: untreated control, intratumoural free 5-FU, placebo hydrogel, and 5-FU-loaded hydrogel implantation.
• Assessment of antitumour activity via gross tumour weight and [3H]thymidine incorporation.

Main Results:

• 5-FU-loaded hydrogel implants exhibited superior antitumour activity compared to free 5-FU.
• Reduced tumour weight and lower [3H]thymidine incorporation were observed in the hydrogel treatment group.
• The enhanced efficacy is attributed to the controlled, slow release of 5-FU from the hydrogel matrix.

Conclusions:

• Implantable collagen-poly(HEMA) hydrogels provide an effective drug delivery system for 5-FU.
• This hydrogel-based approach demonstrates potential as an alternative to conventional free 5-FU therapy for fibrosarcoma.
• Controlled drug release from hydrogels enhances therapeutic efficacy and may reduce systemic toxicity.