Multifunctional hybrid sponge for in situ postoperative management to inhibit tumor recurrence

Disseminated tumor cells in bleeding and residual tumor cells in the resection tumor site are the primary factors that result in tumor recurrence after surgery. Safe and efficient local implantation of the drug depot system into the resection cavity to inhibit tumor recurrence would be of great benefit to reduce the mortality of postoperative patients. Here, a sandwich-like doxorubicin-triptolide-loaded fiber/(chitosan/gelatin) sponge, DTF/CGS, is fabricated, combining hemostatic, antibacterial, and chemotherapeutic capability. The CGS obtained via freeze-drying can efficiently prevent bleeding; meanwhile, the metastatic residual tumor cells are stuck with the clotted absorbed blood. Subsequently, dual drugs released from the electrospun fiber can further kill the stuck tumor cells in CGS and the disseminated tumor cells to significantly inhibit the tumor recurrence. This antitumor recurrence strategy by immediately implanting a multifunctional hybrid sponge for in situ postoperative management may possess great potential for preventing tumor recurrence.