Guwahati, Jan 2 (IANS) A team of scientists from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati and Bose Institute Kolkata has developed an advanced injectable hydrogel for targeted treatment of breast cancer.
This innovative hydrogel-based therapy delivers anti-cancer drugs directly to tumour sites, significantly reducing the side effects typically associated with conventional cancer treatments like surgery which is not feasible for internal organs, and chemotherapy that often results in harmful side effects.
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 microenvironment, said Prof. Debpratim Das, Department of Chemistry at IIT Guwahati.
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 tumor, 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,” said Das.
The team, in preclinical trials, tested the hydrogel on a murine model of breast cancer. It showcased remarkable efficacy and revealed the findings.
Within 18 days, a single injection of the hydrogel that was loaded with the chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin led to an approximately 75 per cent reduction in tumour size.
Importantly, the hydrogel remained localised at the tumour site. It steadily releases the drug over time without causing detectable side effects on other organs.
This innovative delivery system enhances the drug’s effectiveness while reducing the required dosage, thus minimising toxicity.
The team noted that further laboratory studies demonstrated that the hydrogel improves drug uptake by cancer cells. It also induces cell cycle arrest, and promotes programmed cell death, thereby attacking tumours on multiple fronts.
–IANS
rvt/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
