A smart injectable gel to target remaining brain cancer cells

Nuno Neves

Universidade do Minho, Portugal

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumour, with a high risk of recurrence after surgery because residual cancer cells remain in the brain. This happens because the surgeons need to balance removing the tumour but preserving the healthy brain tissue. This project aims to develop an injectable hydrogel that mimics brain tissue, attracts and kills residual cancer cells by releasing treatment locally and over time without damaging healthy tissue.

A multidisciplinary team comprising experts in brain cancer, biomaterials, drug delivery and translational medicine will design and test hydrogel formulations resembling brain tissue and adapted to the characteristics of individual tumours. Promising candidates will be validated in advanced laboratory and preclinical models before clinical translation.

By concentrating the treatment where and when the risk of recurrence is higher, this approach will maximize glioblastoma control while reducing side effects. Ultimately, the project aims to develop a therapeutic strategy that extends the survival and improves the quality of life of glioblastoma patients.

• Elias El-Habr, CNRS - Centre National Recherche Scientifique, France

Local therapy for Safe and Personalised Glioblastoma Therapy

€980,184.84