Innovative Singapore Hydrogel Enhances Drug Testing for Abdominal Cancer

SINGAPORE – A groundbreaking hydrogel developed by researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is transforming the landscape of drug testing for patients suffering from advanced abdominal cancer, specifically secondary peritoneal metastasis. This innovative gel, which supports the viability of tumor samples outside the body for up to 12 days, offers a new avenue for personalized treatment strategies amid a dire prognosis that typically sees average survival rates of just three to six months.

The hydrogel, made from hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in human tissue—enables researchers to cultivate cancer samples and observe their responses to various treatments. This advancement is particularly significant given that conventional methods only preserve tumor samples for a few hours to a couple of days, thereby limiting the scope of drug testing.

The research team, co-led by Assistant Professor Eliza Fong from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at NUS and Associate Professor Johnny Ong from the National Cancer Centre Singapore, aims to address the urgent need for effective therapies for patients with gastric cancer that has metastasized to the peritoneum. According to Dr. Ong, "The median survival rates for these patients are alarmingly low, often below 5% for five years, and this hydrogel may change that narrative."

In a study published on May 20, 2023, in the journal Advanced Materials, the researchers demonstrated that the hydrogel effectively preserved tumor viability by disrupting myosin II-mediated tissue contraction, a critical mechanism that leads to the disintegration of cancer samples. The findings underscore the gel's capability to maintain both malignant and supporting cells, thus allowing for comprehensive testing of chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies.

The implications of this discovery extend beyond mere survival rates. As Dr. Fong pointed out, "Cancers are heterogeneous; two patients with the same cancer may respond differently to treatment. This hydrogel allows us to tailor treatments based on individual tumor responses, which could significantly enhance patient outcomes."

Moreover, the researchers are currently investigating how fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity affects the tumor microenvironment, further emphasizing the gel's potential as a versatile tool in oncological research.

The groundbreaking work not only reflects Singapore's commitment to advancing cancer research but also highlights the critical need for personalized medicine in oncology. As the global cancer landscape evolves, methodologies that accommodate patient-specific tumor characteristics will be vital for improving therapeutic efficacy and patient survival rates. Moving forward, the team anticipates further clinical trials and collaborations that would leverage this hydrogel technology to potentially revolutionize cancer treatment protocols.

In summary, this Singapore-made hydrogel represents a significant leap forward in the fight against advanced abdominal cancers, providing hope to patients and demonstrating the potential for personalized treatment strategies that could extend survival and improve quality of life.

For more information, readers can access the full study in the journal Biomaterials, published on January 20, 2024, which details the hydrogel's applications in drug testing and its implications for future cancer therapies.