Implantation of In Situ Gelling Systems for the Delivery of Chemotherapeutic Agents

Abstract

Implantation is a modern method of administering chemotherapeutic agents, with a highly targeted effect and better patient tolerance due to the low frequency of administration. Implants are capable of controlled release, which makes them a viable alternative to infusional chemotherapy, allowing patients to enjoy a better quality of life without the need for prolonged hospitalization. Compared to subcutaneous implantation, intratumoral implantation has a number of significant advantages in terms of targeting and side effects, but this area of chemotherapy is still poorly understood in terms of clinical trials. At the same time, there are more known developments of drugs in the form of implants and injections for intratumoral administration. The disadvantages of classical intratumoral implants are the need for surgical intervention to install the system and the increased risk of tumor rupture noted by some specialists. The new generation of implants are in situ implants—systems formed in the tumor due to a phase transition (sol–gel transition) under the influence of various stimuli. Among this systems some are highly selective for a certain type of malignant neoplasm. Such systems are injected and have all the advantages of intratumoral injections, but due to the phase transition occurring in situ, they form depot forms that allow the long-term release of chemotherapeutic agents.

Advances in Hydrogels of Drug Delivery Systems for Local Treatment of Brain Tumors

“…Implantable hydrogels serve not only to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor but also to monitor the tumor's response in real time [47,48]. This could enable the adjustment of drug dosage based on the tumor's characteristics, thus optimizing treatment and minimizing side effects [20].…”

Advances in Hydrogels of Drug Delivery Systems for the Local Treatment of Brain Tumors

“…Implantable hydrogels can serve as surgical adjunct materials, such as intraoperative fillers or postoperative supports. They can be implanted at surgical sites to provide support and filling, reduce surgical trauma, and promote postoperative healing [ 64 , 65 ]. Implantable hydrogels could enable the adjustment of drug dosage based on the tumor’s characteristics, thus optimizing treatment and minimizing side effects [ 20 ].…”