Hydrogel-Based Drug Carriers For Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Background: However, the development of hydrogel-based drug carriers for targeted cancer therapy has become a promising strategy due to their biocompatibility, controlled drug release, and targeted specificity to tumors. Despite their potential, perceptions about their effectiveness and barriers to clinical adoption have not been well-studied. Here we present a structured survey to assess the familiarity, perceived efficacy, and future potential of hydrogel-based drug carriers amongst professionals working in the oncological, biomedical, pharmacological, and biotechnological fields.

Methods: We performed a quantitative, cross-sectional study by distributing a structured questionnaire among 273 professionals in relevant fields. The survey consisted of questions in Likert scale, multiple choice, and ranking format related to awareness, efficacy, challenges, and future adoption of hydrogels. Statistical analyses (including Shapiro-Wilk, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests (normality), Chi-square (categorical relationships), ANOVA (group differences), correlation, and regression analysis) were performed to examine relations between key variables using SPSS and Python.

Results: Results show that most of the responses to the hydrogels in cancer therapy (mean scores; Familiarity = 3.73, Perceived Efficacy = 3.81, Likelihood of Replacement = 3.79) have a positive attitude towards hydrogels in cancer therapy. However, familiarity does not greatly affect perceived efficacy (p = 0.912); clinical validation could play a role in expert impressions. Furthermore, ANOVA results (p = 0.076) also indicate heterogeneity in perceived efficacy by experience. The chi-square test (p = 0.707) also shows no gender differences in support for further research. The reliability analysis (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.002) shows a lack of internal consistency suggesting that a more developed questionnaire is necessary.

Conclusion: The results of this study provide insight into the perception of hydrogel-based drug carriers for cancer therapy, showing a general strong positive perception, although previous familiarity does not appear to significantly influence perceived efficacy. The results highlight the necessity for additional clinical trials, cost-effectiveness analyses, and regulatory clearances to instill greater confidence in hydrogel applications. Such additional research could also accelerate the transition of hydrogels from a research tool to clinical practice as future work should target the real-world adoption of hydrogels with a strong focus on patient safety and long-term therapeutic outcomes.