Alginate and Chitosan-Based Hydrogels for the Treatment of Radiation Dermatitis

Radiation dermatitis (RD) remains a prevalent and challenging adverse effect of radiotherapy in cancer patients, significantly impairing patient quality of life and potentially interrupting treatment regimens. In recent years, the development of biopolymer-based hydrogels has emerged as a promising strategy for preventing and managing RD. Among these, alginate and chitosan-based hydrogels have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and wound-healing properties. This comprehensive review highlights the therapeutic efficacy of alginate/chitosan composite hydrogels in RD management. The unique physicochemical characteristics of these hydrogels, including moisture retention, oxygen permeability, and controlled drug release capabilities, make them ideal candidates for treating radiation-induced skin injuries. Mechanistically, these hydrogels exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects while promoting re-epithelialization and collagen, which are critical in skin repair. Preclinical studies revealed significantly reduced RD severity scores and histopathological improvements following hydrogel application. Although clinical translation remains limited, initial trials showed promising outcomes in human subjects. Overall, alginate/chitosan hydrogels represent an effective system with immense potential to revolutionize RD management in oncological care.