Abstract
Background: Postoperative recurrence of glioblastoma is driven by residual tumor cells at the resection margins. Conventional systemic chemotherapy is limited by poor brain penetration and systemic toxicity. Methods: We developed an injectable thermoresponsive hydrogel for localized delivery of cisplatin. The hydrogel undergoes sol–gel transition at body temperature, forming an in situ drug depot. Physicochemical properties, in vitro release, cytotoxicity, and cellular platinum uptake were evaluated. Results: The hydrogel exhibited a porous structure and a sharp gelation near 37◦C. Drug release was temperature-dependent, with sustained release at physiological temperature. Cisplatin (CDDP)-loaded hydrogel significantly reduced glioma cell viability and achieved higher intracellular platinum accumulation compared to free drug. Conclusion: This thermoresponsive hydrogel enables injectable, localized cisplatin delivery with improved cellular uptake and cytotoxicity, offering a promising platform for preventing glioblastoma recurrence after surgery.
Keywords: Glioblastoma; postoperative recurrence; thermoresponsive hydrogel; cisplatin; local drug delivery; in situ gelation; sustained release