Enhancing Glioblastoma Treatment Using Local Injectable Hydrogels Containing Drug-Loaded Polymeric Particles

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and deadly brain tumors, with current treatments often failing to prevent its return. To tackle this challenge, a public-private partnership between the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), InnoCore Technologies, and the University of Groningen is developing an innovative injectable and 3D-printable gel. This gel contains tiny drug-loaded particles that release cancer-fighting medicines directly at the surgical site, aiming to eliminate remaining cancer cells and reduce recurrence.

Each year, around 250,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with glioblastoma, with survival rates remaining extremely low despite surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Standard treatments have not significantly improved in over 20 years, and most patients experience tumor regrowth within months. Innovative solutions are urgently needed to enhance treatment effectiveness, improve survival rates, and reduce the burden on patients and healthcare systems.

This project introduces a smart hydrogel that can be injected into the brain after surgery or shaped into a 3D-printed scaffold for precise placement. The gel slowly releases chemotherapy drugs and antibodies over time, providing continuous treatment exactly where it is needed. By improving drug delivery and reducing harmful side effects, this technology aims to create a more effective and less invasive treatment for glioblastoma.

The project will deliver a fully developed proof-of-concept drug-releasing gel, test its effectiveness in laboratory models, and assess its potential for future clinical use. If successful, this innovation could revolutionize brain cancer treatment, offering new hope for patients and laying the foundation for more advanced cancer therapies in the future.