Hydrogels for cancer treatment

The fundamental research on cancer development has been increasing in the last decade searching for more effective approaches applied in cancer therapy and diagnosis. The unique properties of hydrogels enabled researchers to develop innovative strategies for cancer diagnosis and associated therapies. Significant progresses were made in tumor models reconstruction, and hydrogels are largely responsible for this development. Moreover, hydrogel-based systems can be physiologically stimuli-responsive acting as drug carriers, and nanoparticle-encapsulating systems of toxic chemotherapy agents, genes and radioisotopes. These properties enable to adjust hydrogels’ properties according to cancer-specific needs and hallmarks. Recent works have also attempted to specialize hydrogels as fillers and prosthesis of normal tissue cavities, and for cancer imaging to screen cancer therapy progression. Herein, recent studies on these topics are comprehensively overviewed, summarizing past results and recent findings that drive future investigations in cancer treatment.