Hydrogel-based tumor embolization and synergistic therapeutic strategies

Hydrogels, characterized by their porous network structures and microenvironment-responsive properties, have been widely explored for tumor embolization. Physically or dynamically crosslinked hydrogels-such as ionic, hydrogen-bonded, or supramolecular systems-exhibit favorable microcatheter injectability and shear-thinning behavior, whereas covalently crosslinked systems are typically delivered as low-viscosity precursors for in situ gelation. These features endow embolic hydrogels with tunable drug delivery capacity and excellent biocompatibility, enabling precise occlusion of tumor-feeding arteries and controlled, localized therapeutic release. This review uniquely emphasizes the innovative design of multifunctional hydrogels, focusing on their role in synergistic multimodal therapies and personalized cancer treatment. It provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the preparation methods and functional properties of embolic hydrogels, alongside their emerging clinical applications. Additionally, we address the challenges hindering clinical translation and propose future directions, including the personalized design of intelligent hydrogels and the exploration of synergistic mechanisms for multimodal therapeutic strategies. This review offers valuable insights into the design, development, and clinical application of embolic hydrogels for precision medicine.