Table 3 Metal-free hydrogels for postoperative cancer therapy

Methylcellulose hydrogel

preventing post-surgical breast cancer recurrence; photothermal performance

breast cancer

PTT; breast reconstruction

[67]

Penetrating peptide (CRGDK)-modified doxorubicin-based prodrug nanoparticles

realizing tumor-specific targeting; increasing tunable loading capacity; controlled drug releasing;

breast cancer

Local chemotherapy;

[152]

Raltitrexed hydrogel

inhibiting thymidylate synthase with remarkable selectivity;

post-surgical cancer

Chemotherapy

[153]

Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel

realizing simultaneous delivery and sustain release of PTX and EPB for preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis of breast tumors

breast cancer

Chemotherapy

[154]

Poly(ethyleneglycol)–poly(ε-caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol)

enhancing anti-tumor efficacy in the local region; decreasing systemic toxicity, and improve the patient compliance

breast cancer

Chemotherapy

[155]

Bis(2-methacryloyl)-oxyethyl disulfide and [2-(Methacryloyloxy)-ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfo-propyl)-ammonium hydroxide

down-regulating the expression of anti-apoptosis genes and up-regulating the expression of apoptosis genes.

osteosarcoma

temporary filler; PDT- Immunotherapy

[156]

Chondroitin sulfate multi-aldehyde, branched poly-ethylenimine and BPEI conjugated graphene

realizing chemo-photothermal therapy; controlled drug delivery

breast cancer

PTT-Chemotherapy

[157]

Aldehyde hyaluronic acid and the carboxymethyl chitosan

controlled drug delivery

breast cancer

Chemotherapy

[6]

Temozolomide + O⁶-benzylamine hydrogel

inhibiting the recurrence of TMZ-resistant glioma; responding to MMPs enzyme; releasing TMZ and BG; enhancing the efficiency of TMZ to inhibit glioma growth

gliomas

Chemotherapy

[61]

Personalized tumor lysate derived hydrogel

Stimulating the antitumor immune response for the inhibition of residual tumor cells;

pancreatic cancer

Immunotherapy

[158]