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Stimulus-Responsive Hydrogels for Targeted Cancer Therapy
Raghu Solanki1, Dhiraj Bhatia1
1Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj 382355, Gujarat, India.
Abstract:
Cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease and remains a global health challenge affecting millions of human lives worldwide. Despite advancements in conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the rise of multidrug resistance, tumor recurrence, and their severe side effects and the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) necessitates innovative therapeutic approaches. Recently, stimulus-responsive nanomedicines designed to target TME characteristics (e.g., pH alterations, redox conditions, enzyme secretion) have gained attention for their potential to enhance anticancer efficacy while minimizing the adverse effects of chemotherapeutics/bioactive compounds. Among the various nanocarriers, hydrogels are intriguing due to their high-water content, adjustable mechanical characteristics, and responsiveness to external and internal stimuli, making them promising candidates for cancer therapy. These properties make hydrogels an ideal nanocarrier for controlled drug release within the TME. This review comprehensively surveys the latest advancements in the area of stimulus-responsive hydrogels for cancer therapy, exploring various stimuli-responsive mechanisms, including biological (e.g., pH, redox), chemical (e.g., enzymes, glucose), and physical (e.g., temperature, light), as well as dual- or multi-stimuli responsiveness. Furthermore, this review addresses the current developments and challenges in hydrogels in cancer treatment. Our aim is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of stimulus-responsive hydrogels for cancer treatment, offering novel perspectives on their development for cancer therapy and other medical applications.
Insights
Stimulus-responsive hydrogels offer innovative cancer therapy by targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME). These smart nanocarriers enhance drug delivery and reduce side effects for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer's heterogeneity and treatment resistance necessitate advanced therapeutic strategies.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) presents unique characteristics exploitable for targeted drug delivery.
- Conventional cancer therapies face limitations including side effects and recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in stimulus-responsive hydrogels for cancer therapy.
- To explore various stimuli-responsive mechanisms and their application in the TME.
- To discuss current developments and challenges in hydrogel-based cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Survey of recent literature on stimulus-responsive hydrogels.
- Analysis of hydrogel properties and responsiveness to biological, chemical, and physical stimuli.
- Examination of hydrogels' role in targeted drug delivery within the TME.
Main Results:
- Stimulus-responsive hydrogels demonstrate potential for enhanced anticancer efficacy.
- Hydrogels offer controlled drug release tailored to TME conditions.
- Various stimuli (pH, redox, enzymes, temperature, light) can trigger hydrogel responses.
Conclusions:
- Stimulus-responsive hydrogels are promising nanocarriers for targeted cancer therapy.
- Further development is needed to overcome current challenges in hydrogel-based treatments.
- Hydrogels offer novel perspectives for cancer treatment and other medical applications.
