Innovative Bioengineered Hydrogel Revolutionizes Cancer Treatment Testing

A groundbreaking study led by Assistant Professor Eliza Fong from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has yielded a new bioengineered hydrogel platform that preserves live patient-derived tumor tissues for extended periods, enhancing the accuracy of cancer treatment testing. Published on May 20, 2025, in the journal Advanced Materials, this innovative approach addresses the pressing need for effective models in the study of peritoneal metastases, a particularly aggressive form of cancer that affects the abdominal cavity.

Peritoneal metastases (PM) arise when cancer cells disseminate to the peritoneal lining, often originating from advanced colorectal, ovarian, or gastric cancers. Current treatment options for PM are limited, with survival rates remaining alarmingly low. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PM is associated with a median survival of less than one year, highlighting the urgent need for improved therapeutic strategies.

The hydrogel developed by Fong and her team not only mimics the natural tumor microenvironment but also preserves the tissues' structural integrity and biological functions for over 12 days—more than double the duration of conventional culture methods. This significant advancement allows researchers to maintain critical immune and connective tissue components, which are vital for understanding tumor behavior and drug resistance.

"One of the key challenges in developing new therapies for PM has been the lack of realistic lab models that reflect the complexity of tumors in patients," stated Assistant Professor Fong. "Our hydrogel overcomes this by maintaining not only the complex tumor composition but also its biological functions."

In traditional tumor culture systems, samples often deteriorate rapidly, losing their viability and relevance for preclinical drug testing. The NUS team's hydrogel addresses this issue by creating a supportive three-dimensional environment that prevents tissue degradation, effectively blocking myosin II-mediated contraction—a process that contributes to tissue breakdown.

The researchers further enhanced their model by incorporating ascites, a fluid commonly found in the abdomens of patients with PM. This addition was pivotal, as it significantly altered the tumors' response to chemotherapy, increasing their drug resistance. As Associate Professor Johnny Ong from the National Cancer Centre Singapore noted, "The results from our tests showed that drug responses varied across patients, highlighting our model's potential for personalizing treatment."

Using their hydrogel platform, the team tested standard chemotherapy agents such as cisplatin and doxorubicin, along with targeted therapies, including an experimental treatment that targets a protein found in ascites. The results indicated that patient-specific factors must be considered in preclinical drug testing to improve therapeutic efficacy.

The implications of this research extend beyond just cancer treatment. The hydrogel model retains key features of the original tumor environment, as confirmed by single-cell RNA sequencing, which demonstrated the preservation of major cell types, including immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. This retention of cellular communication patterns is crucial for understanding tumor behavior and developing effective treatments.

Looking ahead, the hydrogel platform represents a significant advancement in drug development and precision oncology, offering new hope for patients facing limited treatment options. As the landscape of cancer therapy evolves, this innovative tool could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies for peritoneal metastases and potentially other cancer types.

In conclusion, the work conducted by Assistant Professor Eliza Fong and her team at NUS not only demonstrates the potential of bioengineered hydrogels in cancer research but also underscores the importance of developing patient-centered models to improve treatment outcomes. As the field of oncology continues to advance, such innovations are crucial for making strides in the fight against cancer.