Recent Advances in Nanoscale Sprayable Hydrogels for Cancer Management: Nanoparticle-Loaded Formulations for Therapy...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Sprayable hydrogels are emerging nanoscale drug delivery systems for localized cancer treatment.
• Nanotechnology integration enhances therapeutic efficacy at tumor sites through various strategies.
• These platforms offer rapid in situ gelation, strong tissue adhesion, and minimally invasive administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in nanoscale sprayable hydrogels for cancer therapy.
• To categorize these systems based on cancer type, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic goals.
• To highlight the potential of these platforms for personalized cancer care.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies on sprayable hydrogels integrated with nanotechnology.
• Categorization of systems by cancer type, mechanism, and therapeutic goal (treatment vs. prevention).
• Analysis of therapeutic modalities including chemotherapeutics, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and metabolic regulators.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated significant reductions in residual tumor burden (70-95%) and increased intratumoral drug retention (2-5 fold).
• Showed survival extensions (30-60%) and prevention of recurrence at surgical margins (>80%).
• Potentiated immune activation markers like CD8+ T-cell infiltration and dendritic cell maturation.

Conclusions:

• Nanoscale sprayable hydrogels represent a modular and adaptable platform for personalized cancer care.
• These systems show promise across diverse clinical applications, including peritoneal carcinomatosis and skin tumors.
• Clinical translation requires addressing challenges in sterilization, device-material compatibility, stability, and regulatory hurdles.