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Indian Researchers Develop Injectable Hydrogel for Cancer Treatment

Why in the news?

Researchers from IIT-Guwahati and Bose Institute have created an injectable hydrogel that delivers cancer drugs directly to tumors, minimizing side effects, with potential to transform breast cancer treatment. Published in Materials Horizons.

Innovation in Cancer Treatment:

• Researchers from IIT-Guwahati and Bose Institute, Kolkata, have developed an advanced injectable hydrogel aimed at localized cancer therapy.
• The hydrogel acts as a stable reservoir for anti-cancer drugs, releasing them in a controlled manner while protecting healthy cells from harm.
• It is expected to revolutionize breast cancer therapy and has been published in Materials Horizons, a journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Targeted Drug Delivery:

• The hydrogel offers precise drug delivery directly to the tumor site, minimizing the systemic side effects often seen with chemotherapy and surgery.
• Chemotherapy typically harms both cancerous and healthy cells due to its systemic nature. This new hydrogel targets only the tumor, reducing side effects.
• The hydrogel is made of ultra-short peptides and remains insoluble in biological fluids, ensuring it stays localized at the injection site.

Scientific Contribution and Impact:

• The hydrogel responds to elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, which are abundant in tumor cells, allowing for targeted release of the drug.
• According to Prof. Debapratim Das, this innovation addresses the pressing needs of cancer treatment by offering localized, precise action while working in harmony with the biological environment.
• The research team, led by Debapratim Das from IIT-Guwahati, collaborated with scientists from Bose Institute, including Kuldip Jana, Satyajit Halder, and Anup Kumar Misra.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times