A multifunctional Janus-inspired therapeutic patch enabling intraoperative control of tumor dissemination and
Xuan Pan1, Xiaoming Wang1, Qin Dang2
1Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical University (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical University), Wuhu, 241000, China.
Abstract:
Postoperative recurrence and metastasis remain formidable challenges in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), primarily due to bleeding-driven tumor dissemination and residual microscopic lesions after resection. However, the current surgical operation offers limited intraoperative treatment strategies to prevent these events. Herein, a multifunctional Janus-inspired therapeutic patch (JTP) is designed to bridge surgical resection and localized chemotherapy within a single intraoperative implant. The JTP features a trilayer Janus architecture that enables integrated control over hemostasis, tumor interception, and intratumoral chemotherapy. Specifically, the inner gelatin-hyaluronic acid sponge enables rapid hemostasis (1.24 min) and capture of circulating tumor cells. The middle gemcitabine-loaded polylactic acid nanofiber layer enables sustained and local drug release of gemcitabine (GEM) toward the surgical resection site, while the outer hydrophobic polycaprolactone backing serves as a protective barrier, preventing peritoneal adhesion and drug diffusion in unwanted directions (less than 5%). In an orthotopic PDAC resection model, a single JTP implantation achieved 78% blood loss reduction, ∼89% tumor suppression, and substantial inhibition of hepatic metastasis, extending survival to 38 days with 80% survival rate. By transforming the surgical site into an active therapeutic interface, this Janus-inspired patch establishes an effective strategy that bridges surgery and intratumoral chemotherapy for effective postoperative PDAC control.
Insights
A novel Janus-inspired therapeutic patch (JTP) effectively controls pancreatic cancer recurrence by managing bleeding, capturing tumor cells, and delivering chemotherapy directly to the surgical site, improving survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Oncology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Postoperative recurrence and metastasis are major challenges in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) following surgical resection.
- Current surgical techniques lack effective intraoperative strategies to prevent tumor dissemination and residual disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a multifunctional Janus-inspired therapeutic patch (JTP) for intraoperative control of PDAC recurrence.
- To integrate hemostasis, tumor cell capture, and localized chemotherapy into a single implantable device.
Main Methods:
- A trilayer JTP was designed with a gelatin-hyaluronic acid sponge for hemostasis and tumor cell capture, a gemcitabine-loaded polylactic acid nanofiber layer for sustained drug release, and a polycaprolactone backing for barrier function.
- The JTP's performance was assessed in an orthotopic PDAC resection model, evaluating hemostasis, tumor suppression, metastasis inhibition, and survival rates.
Main Results:
- The JTP demonstrated rapid hemostasis within 1.24 minutes and significantly reduced blood loss by 78%.
- The patch achieved approximately 89% tumor suppression and substantially inhibited hepatic metastasis.
- JTP implantation extended survival to 38 days with an 80% survival rate in the PDAC model.
Conclusions:
- The Janus-inspired therapeutic patch offers a promising strategy to bridge surgical resection and localized chemotherapy for improved postoperative PDAC management.
- This multifunctional patch transforms the surgical site into an active therapeutic interface, effectively controlling tumor recurrence and metastasis.
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