Context: Researchers from IIT-Guwahati and the Bose Institute, Kolkata have developed an advanced injectable hydrogel aimed at improving localized cancer treatment.
Relevance: GS 3 (Health)
Development of Injectable Hydrogel:
- Functionality: Acts as a stablereservoir for anti–cancerdrugs, ensuring controlled release.
- Targeted Action: Designed to spare healthy cells while targeting tumors.
- Focus Area: Specifically aimed at breast cancer therapy.
Scientific Basis:
- Hydrogel Composition: Made of ultra-short peptides that remain insoluble in biological fluids, ensuring localization at the injection site.
- Glutathione Sensitivity: Reacts to elevated levels of glutathione (GSH), a molecule abundant in tumor cells, enabling precise drug activation.
- Biomimicry: Mimics living tissue structure, making it ideal for biomedical applications.
Advantages Over Conventional Treatments:
- Limitations of Chemotherapy: Current treatments cause systemic side effects, affecting both healthy and cancerous cells.
- Localized Action: Hydrogel targets the tumor site directly, reducing systemic side effects and improving treatment efficacy.
Research Collaboration:
- Lead Researchers: Led by Debapratim Das (IIT-G) with co-authors Tanushree Das and Ritvika Kushwaha.
- Bose Institute Contributors: Kuldip Jana, Satyajit Halder, and Anup Kumar Misra.
- Publication: Findings published in Materials Horizons, a journal by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Potential Impact:
- Revolutionary Approach: Offers a new method for breast cancer therapy and potentially other localized cancer treatments.
- Precision in Treatment: Enhances precision in cancer treatment, aligning with the need for innovative, minimally invasive solutions.
Quote from the Researchers:
- “This work exemplifies how scientific innovation can address the pressing needs of cancer treatment. The hydrogel’s properties allow it to work harmoniously with the biological environment, offering precision,” said Prof. Das.
- This research marks a significant step forward in developing targeted cancer therapies that reduce harm to patients while improving treatment outcomes.
