New immunotherapy hydrogel to treat cancer
Researchers have developed immunotherapy drugs embedded in a slow-release hydrogel to aid in cancer treatment
Researchers at Rice University and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) have developed a new immunotherapy hydrogel that can help the body attack cancer cells with a slow-release action.
Known as STINGel, the injectable hydrogel has been designed to steadily release a drug dose that triggers the immune system against tumour cells.
While immunotherapy is well established as an effective method of fighting cancer, current techniques rely on multiple injections, as the drugs are quickly flushed from the body. The new gel, in contrast, turns semisolid within the body and degrades gradually, allowing the continuous delivery of immunotherapy drugs over a period of time.
“The normal approach to cyclic dinucleotides (CDN) delivery is simple injection, but this leads to very rapid diffusion of the drug throughout the body and reduces its concentration at the site of the tumour to very low levels. Using the same amount of CDN, the STINGel approach allows the concentration of CDN near the tumour to remain much higher for long periods of time,” said Dr Jeffrey Hartgerink, one of the inventors of the gel and a Rice University chemist and bioengineer, to Science Daily.
STINGel was tested in vivo on rats. The results, detailed in Biomaterials, showed that six out of the ten animals survived 105 days after testing, compared with one out of ten treated with CDN alone or collagen plus CDN. The study also revealed that the surviving rats proved resistant to further implantation of cancer cells, indicating their immune systems had adapted to detect and kill both the existing cancer and future occurrences.
“We think that our STINGel approach has the potential to significantly broaden the scope of this powerful immunotherapy drug to a larger range of resistant cancers,” said Dr Hartgerink.
This story was originally published in the Global Health and Travel issue of August-September 2018.
Related Articles
What you need to know about 9 most common cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths are caused by cancer.
Read moreStem cell vaccine could fight off cancer
Injecting stem cells may boost a cancer patient’s immune system against tumours, a study in mice suggests
Read moreMount Alvernia plans to launch a new cancer centre
The hospital picks Icon SOC to build its integrated holistic facility
Read moreLatest Articles
Medical Care
Achieving Swift Recovery: Enhanced Recovery (ERAS) Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Replacement
Consider total hip replacement with Alps Orthopaedic Centre's ERAS Direct Anterior Approach for faster recovery and reduced hospital stays. Learn about Dr. Jerry Chen's expertise in Singapore.
Read moreMedical Care
Enhanced Recovery (ERAS) Total Knee Replacement
Discover how Alps Orthopaedic Centre's Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach transforms total knee replacement into a day surgery, offering faster recovery, less pain, and reduced hospital bills. Learn about Dr. Jerry Chen's expertise and schedule your appointment in Singapore.
Read moreMedical Care
Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP): The Emerging of Exercise is Medicine
How Exercising can be a Medicine
Read more
