The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and the Bose Institute Kolkata research team have developed an advanced injectable hydrogel designed to release anti-cancer therapies to tumour areas directly.

The hydrogel could significantly mitigate the side effects associated with conventional cancer therapies. It acts as a stable reservoir, delivering the medication in a regulated manner and sparing healthy cells.

IIT Guwahati's Department of Chemistry Prof Debpratim Das and his team engineered the hydrogel to ensure precise drug delivery with localised action.

With their water-based, three-dimensional polymer networks, hydrogels are particularly suited for biomedical applications due to their tissue-like structure.

They are composed of ultra-short peptides and designed to remain at the injection site without dissolving in biological fluids.

They are also responsive to glutathione levels, which are higher in tumour cells, triggering the drug release into the tumour.

In preclinical studies involving a murine model of breast cancer, one hydrogel injection loaded with the chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin demonstrated a significant decrease in the tumour size - approximately 75% within 18 days.

Debapratim Das stated: “This work exemplifies how scientific innovation can directly address the pressing needs of cancer treatment. The hydrogel’s unique properties allow it to work in harmony with the biological environment, offering precision where it is needed most.”

The hydrogel injection not only enhanced the therapy’s effectiveness but also allowed for lower dosages, reducing toxicity.

It addresses the global health challenge posed by cancer, which affects millions and often presents treatment difficulties, particularly when surgical removal of tumours is not viable.

Laboratory studies have shown improved uptake of the drug by the malignant cells, induction of cell cycle arrest and promotion of programmed cell death, thereby combating tumours.

The team is planning to seek clinical trial approval and is in search of a suitable partner for collaboration.