Injectable hydrogel-based platforms for precision lung cancer therapy: bridging biomaterials and oncology

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Oncology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Lung cancer is a leading cause of global cancer deaths, often diagnosed late with limited treatment options.
• Systemic therapies face challenges in tumor penetration and cause dose-limiting toxicities, necessitating localized treatment strategies.
• Injectable hydrogels are emerging as a promising platform for precision lung cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review injectable hydrogel platforms for precision lung cancer therapy.
• To examine their design, therapeutic mechanisms, and translational potential.
• To highlight advances and challenges in their clinical application.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on injectable hydrogel platforms for lung cancer.
• Focus on in situ-forming depots, multifunctional hydrogels, and stimuli-responsive systems.
• Analysis of preclinical data on efficacy, toxicity, and combination therapies.

Main Results:

• In situ-forming hydrogels provide sustained intratumoral drug delivery, minimizing systemic exposure.
• Multifunctional hydrogels can co-deliver agents to remodel the tumor microenvironment.
• Stimuli-responsive hydrogels enable on-demand drug release for enhanced precision.
• Preclinical studies show improved antitumor efficacy, reduced toxicity, and compatibility with other therapies.

Conclusions:

• Injectable hydrogels demonstrate significant potential for localized lung cancer treatment.
• Advances include in situ formation, multifunctionality, and stimuli-responsiveness.
• Clinical translation requires addressing challenges in manufacturing, sterilization, biocompatibility, and regulation.