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Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

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The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 30, 2026

The Synthesis of RGD-functionalized Hydrogels as a Tool for Therapeutic Applications
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Naturally-derived injectable hydrogels for antitumor therapeutics.

Chi Zhang1, Huixin Li1, Ziqin Li1

  • 1College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE, Future Technologies), Xiamen University, Xiamen, China. thy@xmu.edu.cn.

Biomaterials Science
|June 23, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Injectable hydrogels offer precise tumor therapy by controlling drug release. Natural biomaterials like chitosan are preferred over synthetic ones due to better biocompatibility and feasibility for clinical use.

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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications

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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Drug Delivery
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Injectable hydrogels show promise for localized tumor therapy, enabling controlled drug release and reducing systemic toxicity.
  • Synthetic polymer hydrogels face challenges in clinical translation, including complex fabrication, immunogenicity, and toxicity.
  • Natural biomaterials (chitosan, gelatin, hyaluronic acid) are increasingly used for antitumor hydrogels due to biocompatibility and biodegradability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structural advantages and design principles of natural biomaterial-based injectable hydrogels for antitumor applications.
  • To focus on cargo-loading mechanisms for diverse therapeutic agents within these hydrogels.
  • To discuss challenges and guide future development of natural material-based injectable hydrogels for clinical translation.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature on natural biomaterials in injectable hydrogels for cancer therapy.
  • Analysis of structural properties and design strategies for enhanced drug delivery.
  • Evaluation of cargo-loading mechanisms for chemotherapeutics, immunomodulators, and gene therapy vectors.
  • Discussion of clinical translation challenges and future research directions.

Main Results:

  • Natural biomaterials offer superior biocompatibility, tunable biodegradability, and clinical feasibility compared to synthetic polymers.
  • Specific structural features of natural materials facilitate controlled release and synergistic codelivery of multiple therapeutic agents.
  • Effective cargo-loading strategies have been developed for various therapeutic payloads, enhancing antitumor efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Natural biomaterial-based injectable hydrogels represent a viable and advantageous platform for advanced, localized cancer therapy.
  • Addressing challenges in clinical translation is crucial for realizing the full potential of these advanced drug delivery systems.
  • Further research into design principles and cargo integration will drive the development of next-generation antitumor hydrogels.