Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati have pioneered an injectable hydrogel designed for localized breast cancer treatment, offering a breakthrough in reducing the severe side effects commonly associated with traditional cancer therapies.

The innovative research, carried out in collaboration with the Bose Institute, Kolkata, has been published in Materials Horizons, a journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Debapratim Das, a professor at IIT-Guwahati’s Department of Chemistry, explained that while cancer remains a global health challenge, existing treatments like chemotherapy and surgery come with significant limitations, often causing debilitating side effects for patients. This new injectable hydrogel, however, is tailored to target cancer cells directly at the site of the tumor, potentially reducing harm to healthy tissues and minimizing overall side effects.

The hydrogel’s unique properties allow it to deliver cancer-fighting agents directly to the affected area, making it a promising alternative to conventional therapies. This could offer a new, more effective approach to treatment, especially for breast cancer patients, providing hope for a less invasive and more tolerable option.

The development is being hailed as a significant step forward in the fight against cancer, with potential applications in other types of cancer as well. Researchers are optimistic that this new method could pave the way for more personalized and targeted treatment regimens in the future.