Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

The Synthesis of RGD-functionalized Hydrogels as a Tool for Therapeutic Applications
09:30

The Synthesis of RGD-functionalized Hydrogels as a Tool for Therapeutic Applications

Published on: October 7, 2016

11.4K

Research Strategies and Methods of Hydrogels for Antitumor Drug Delivery

Tianjiao Zeng1, Lusi Chen1,2, Toru Yoshitomi1

  • 1Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba 305-0044, Ibaraki, Japan.

Biomedicines
|August 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Hydrogel-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) offer advanced tumor treatment strategies by overcoming physiological barriers. This review highlights hydrogel DDS designs and their clinical translation potential for enhanced cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Tumor treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy face challenges due to physiological barriers limiting drug delivery.
  • Efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor sites is crucial for effective cancer treatment.
  • Drug delivery systems (DDSs) are actively researched to improve therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of hydrogel-based DDSs for tumor treatment.
  • To focus on DDS strategies and designs tailored to tumor pathophysiology.
  • To discuss the design, preparation, and clinical translation of hydrogel DDSs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of hydrogel-based drug delivery systems for cancer therapy.
  • Analysis of hydrogel DDS design principles based on tumor characteristics.
  • Summary of hydrogel preparation techniques for DDS applications.
  • Discussion of challenges and opportunities in clinical translation.

Main Results:

  • Hydrogel-based DDSs represent a promising approach for overcoming tumor physiological barriers.
  • Specific design strategies leverage tumor pathophysiology for targeted drug delivery.
  • The review summarizes key aspects of hydrogel system design and preparation.
  • Clinical translation challenges and future opportunities are identified.

Conclusions:

  • Hydrogel-based DDSs show significant potential for improving tumor treatment efficacy.
  • Tailoring hydrogel designs to tumor-specific characteristics is key to successful application.
  • Further research and development are needed to overcome challenges in clinical translation.
Keywords:
antitumor therapycombination therapydrug delivery systemhydrogel

More Related Videos

Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications09:39

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

Published on: February 7, 2021

8.1K
Author Spotlight: In Vitro Hydrogel Model for Glioblastoma Microenvironment Study10:44

Author Spotlight: In Vitro Hydrogel Model for Glioblastoma Microenvironment Study

Published on: September 22, 2023

1.6K

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

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.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Drug Distribution: Tissue Binding01:21

Drug Distribution: Tissue Binding

Upon entering the systemic circulation, drugs can distribute into the interstitial and intracellular fluid of various tissue cells. This distribution is facilitated by the binding of drugs to different cellular components within tissues, which may lead to drug accumulation in specific areas. Drugs bound to tissue components serve as reservoirs that release free drugs back into the system, prolonging the drug's overall action. However, this accumulation can also result in local toxicity.
For...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight, compared...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...