Thermoresponsive Magnetic Hydrogel for Local Thermal Ablation Treatment of Rectal Cancer.

ABSTRACT: Thermal ablation treats cancer by raising local tumor temperature above ∼50 °C to induce coagulative necrosis. However, current approaches are invasive, as they typically require needle-like applicators to deliver thermal energy directly into the tumor. In this study, a magnetic hydrogel was developed as a noninvasive strategy for localized rectal cancer ablation aimed at preoperative tumor downsizing. The formulation comprises superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs: Mn_0.6Zn_0.4Fe₂O₄) dispersed in Pluronic F127 (PF127). PF127 confers thermoresponsive sol-gel behavior at physiological temperature: upon contact with tissue, the formulation rapidly gels and becomes immobilized at the application site, minimizing spread to adjacent healthy

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12781055 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature