Recent Advances in Hydrogel-Based Phototherapy for Tumor Treatment

Abstract

Phototherapeutic agent-based phototherapies activated by light have proven to be safe modalities for the treatment of various malignant tumor indications. The two main modalities of phototherapies include photothermal therapy, which causes localized thermal damage to target lesions, and photodynamic therapy, which causes localized chemical damage by generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Conventional phototherapies suffer a major shortcoming in their clinical application due to their phototoxicity, which primarily arises from the uncontrolled distribution of phototherapeutic agents in vivo. For successful antitumor phototherapy, it is essential to ensure the generation of heat or ROS specifically occurs at the tumor site. To minimize the reverse side effects of phototherapy while improving its therapeutic performance, extensive research has focused on developing hydrogel-based phototherapy for tumor treatment. The utilization of hydrogels as drug carriers allows for the sustained delivery of phototherapeutic agents to tumor sites, thereby limiting their adverse effects. Herein, we summarize the recent advancements in the design of hydrogels for antitumor phototherapy, offer a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in hydrogel-based phototherapy and its combination with other therapeutic modalities for tumor treatment, and discuss the current clinical status of hydrogel-based antitumor phototherapy.

Heterogeneous DNA hydrogel loaded with Apt02 modified tetrahedral framework nucleic acid accelerated critical-size bone defect repair

“…The unaltered physical characteristics of the hydrogel after its composite formation suggest that it can reliably function in the physiological environment of bone repair. This stability is crucial for ensuring the hydrogel's effectiveness in facilitating osteointegration and promoting tissue regeneration [ 33 , 34 ]. The ability of the hydrogel to maintain its integrity while in close contact with the scaffold underlines its potential as a viable medium for supporting bone healing and regeneration.…”

Hydrogels as local depots for on-demand therapeutic delivery: potential therapeutic approaches for tumor metastasis

“…In recent years, hydrogels in antitumor phototherapy have gained great interest due to their ability to deliver phototherapeutic agents in a localized site and minimize the distribution of phototherapeutic agents in non-target sites. 107–109 The application of hydrogels as photothermal agents and photosensitizer carriers has been extensively investigated for antitumor PTT and PDT. Jin et al achieved a successful combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) incorporating gold nanorods (AuNRs) and methylene blue (MB) into a multifunctional hydrogel.…”

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

“…In the near infrared-ultraviolet/visible (NIR-UV/VIS) spectrum, water is nearly transparent [67,68]. Photoresponsive hydrogels alter their morphology in response to light irradiation, through the absorption or release of water [21,[69][70][71]. Consequently, hydrogels are well-suited as lightresponsive biomaterials.…”