Radiotherapy(RT)is a crucial treatment for cancer;however,its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects on normal tissues,radioresistance,and tumor recurrence.To overcome these challenges,hydrogels have been employe...Radiotherapy(RT)is a crucial treatment for cancer;however,its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects on normal tissues,radioresistance,and tumor recurrence.To overcome these challenges,hydrogels have been employed for delivery of radiosensitizers and other therapeutic agents.This review summarizes recent advancements in the application of hydrogel-based local drug delivery systems for improving the therapeutic efficacy of RT in cancer treatment.Firstly,we introduce the classification and properties of hydrogels.Next,we detail hydrogel-based platforms designed to enhance both external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy.We also discuss hydrogels used in combination therapy involving RT and immunotherapy.Lastly,we highlight the challenges that hydrogels face in RT.By surveying the latest developments in hydrogel applications for RT,this review aims to provide insights into the development of more effective and targeted cancer therapies.展开更多
基金supported by Funds of Sichuan Province for Distinguished Young Scholar(No.2021JDJQ0037)Key Research and Development Program of Sichuan Province(No.2023YFS0153)1·3·5 project for disciplines of excellence,West China Hospital,Sichuan University(No.ZYYC08002).
文摘Radiotherapy(RT)is a crucial treatment for cancer;however,its effectiveness is limited by adverse effects on normal tissues,radioresistance,and tumor recurrence.To overcome these challenges,hydrogels have been employed for delivery of radiosensitizers and other therapeutic agents.This review summarizes recent advancements in the application of hydrogel-based local drug delivery systems for improving the therapeutic efficacy of RT in cancer treatment.Firstly,we introduce the classification and properties of hydrogels.Next,we detail hydrogel-based platforms designed to enhance both external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy.We also discuss hydrogels used in combination therapy involving RT and immunotherapy.Lastly,we highlight the challenges that hydrogels face in RT.By surveying the latest developments in hydrogel applications for RT,this review aims to provide insights into the development of more effective and targeted cancer therapies.