IIT-Guwahati researchers develop injectable hydrogel for localised cancer treatment with less side effects

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, conducted a joint research, developing an advanced injectable hydrogel for localised cancer treatment with significantly less side effects typically associated with conventional cancer treatments.

The research was conducted in collaboration with Bose Institute, Kolkata. It was published in "Materials Horizons", a journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Debapratim Das, Professor at IIT-Guwahati's Department of Chemistry, said cancer continues to affect millions of patients worldwide but current treatments such as chemotherapy and surgical interventions often have severe limitations.

"Surgical removal of tumours is sometimes not feasible, particularly for internal organs, while chemotherapy’s systemic delivery often results in harmful side effects by affecting both cancerous and healthy cells. We have addressed these challenges by designing a hydrogel that delivers drugs precisely to the tumour site, ensuring localised action," Das said.

Hydrogels are water-based, three-dimensional polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining fluids. Their unique structure mimics living tissues, making them suitable for biomedical applications. This newly developed hydrogel acts as a stable reservoir for anti-cancer drugs and releases them in a controlled manner, responding to specific conditions in the tumour micro-environment.

The hydrogel, composed of ultra-short peptides – biocompatible and biodegradable building blocks of proteins – is designed to remain insoluble in biological fluids, ensuring it stays localised at the injection site. It responds to elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, a molecule abundant in tumour cells. Upon encountering high GSH levels, the hydrogel triggers a controlled drug release directly into the tumour, minimising its interaction with healthy tissues and reducing systemic side effects.

"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. We are excited by its potential to transform our thoughts about localised drug delivery.”

"In preclinical trials on a murine model of breast cancer, the hydrogel showcased remarkable efficacy. A single injection of the hydrogel, loaded with the chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin, resulted in a ~75 per cent reduction in tumour size within 18 days. Crucially, the hydrogel remained localised at the tumour site, steadily releasing the drug over time without causing detectable side effects on other organs," he said.

Das explained that innovative delivery system enhances the drug's effectiveness while reducing the required dosage, thus minimising toxicity.

"Laboratory studies further demonstrated that the hydrogel improves drug uptake by cancer cells, induces cell cycle arrest, and promotes programmed cell death, thereby attacking tumours on multiple fronts.

"Further studies are going on to find out the maximum amount of reduction in the size of the tumour by a single dose. Moreover, we are also looking into other types of tumours. Once all the studies are complete, will apply to take the material for clinical trial and are looking for an appropriate partner to do the same," Das said.