In situ injectable hydrogel-loaded drugs induce anti-tumor immune responses in melanoma immunochemotherapy.

ABSTRACT: Melanoma is a highly aggressive tumor located in the skin, with limited traditional therapies. In order to reduce the side effects caused by traditional administration method and amplify the killing effect of immune system against tumor cells, an in situ injectable hydrogel drug delivery system is developed for the first time which co-delivers doxorubicin (Dox) and imiquimod (R837) for the synergistic therapy of melanoma. The mechanical properties and stability of the hydrogel are characterized and the optimal doses of hydrogel and drugs are also identified. As a result, the co-delivery system effectively suppresses melanoma growth and metastatic progression both in vitro and in vivo. Further studies show that the co-delivery system causes immunogenic cell death, activation o

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8938887 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature