07-Jan-2025

Hydrogel for Targeted Cancer Treatment

Science & Technology

Why in News? 

Indian researchers have developed an innovative injectable hydrogel designed for targeted cancer treatment. 

About 

  • The hydrogel was developed by researchers from IIT-Guwahati and Bose Institute, Kolkata. 
  • It serves as a stable reservoir for anti-cancer drugs, releasing them in a controlled manner. 
  • The hydrogel protects healthy cells while delivering the drugs. 
  • Hydrogels are water-based polymer networks capable of absorbing and retaining fluids. 

DO YOU KNOW? 

CAR-T Cell Therapy is a revolutionary cancer treatment that involves modifying a patient’s T cells to target and attack cancer cells. This therapy is a significant step forward in personalized medicine, especially for blood cancers. When combined with technologies like hydrogels, which can deliver drugs in a controlled manner, CAR-T therapy can be enhanced for more precise, effective treatment, minimizing harm to healthy cells.