Drugless Extracellular Hydrogels Enable the Reprogramming of Malignant Glioblastoma

Despite several advancements in GBM therapy, it often causes neural cell death near the tumor. Furthermore, the aggressive and invasive nature of GBM frequently leads to recurrence near the resection site.

Herein, this study introduces a novel drug-free therapeutic approach by injecting a tumor-reprogrammable and extracellularly activatable hydrogel, termed ‘TREAT’ gel. The soft, injectable hydrogel, which is injected into the tumor resection cavity, adapts to the cavity’s shape, interfaces with residual tumor cells and induces genetic reprogramming of malignant GBM cells, while preserving brain cells and even restoring brain function.