Synthesis and Applications of Hydrogels in Cancer Therapy

Hydrogels are water-insoluble, hydrophilic, cross-linked, three-dimensional networks of polymer chains having the ability to swell and absorb water but do not dissolve in it, that comprise the major difference between gels and hydrogels. The mechanical strength, physical integrity and solubility are offered by the crosslinks. The different applications of hydrogels can be derived based on the methods of their synthesis, response to different stimuli, and their different kinds. Hydrogels are highly biocompatible and have properties similar to human tissues that make it suitable to be used in various biomedical applications, including drug delivery and tissue engineering. The role of hydrogels in cancer therapy is highly emerging in recent years. In the present review, we highlighted different methods of synthesis of hydrogels and their classification based on different parameters. Distinctive applications of hydrogels in the treatment of cancer are also discussed.