Work

Hydrogel-based approaches for radiation protection in radiotherapy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: As one of the primary modalities for cancer treatment, radiotherapy (RT) utilizes high-energy radiation to eradicate cancer cells or inhibit tumor growth and is widely employed in clinical practice. However, while targeting malignant cells, radiation can also cause unintended damage to surrounding healthy tissues, leading to serious complications that adversely affect patient prognosis and quality of life. In recent years, hydrogels have emerged as promising adjuvant systems for RT due to their tunable physicochemical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and capacity for multifunctional integration. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in hydrogel-based platforms designed for radiation protection and therapy enhancement, focusing on how material composition and morphological design enable localized modulation of radiation dose, proactive prevention of side effects, and coordinated intervention in the tumor microenvironment. The review aims to provide a comprehensive resource for understanding the multifunctional roles of hydrogels in RT and to explore their potential pathways toward clinical translation, with the goal of advancing precise, low-toxicity, and personalized radiotherapy.

Source: Radiation Medicine and Protection

DOI: 10.1016/j.radmp.2026.04.004

Authors: Mingliang Zhu, Wenyan Sun, Ya Li, Liangda Xing, Yinnong Jia

Institution: Kunming Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000