Provides a safer ‘cushion-like’ substitute for submucosal fluid injections which does not require multiple applications
A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar (IIT-Gn) have developed an injectable hydrogel that could revolutionise the early detection and treatment of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers. The gel-like material can maintain a cushion-like structure while holding a large volume of water, a technology designed to improve endoscopic procedures for GIT cancers.
The incidence of cancers within the GIT-including colorectal, stomach, and oesophageal cancers-has been rising globally over the last few decades, posing a significant health concern across all demographics.
“The risk of damaging the healthy tissue around tumours during chemotherapy or via standard surgical procedures like Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) is a major concern,” said Prof Mukesh Dhanka, an Assistant Professor at IIT Gandhinagar’s Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering and Principal Investigator of the study. “To make ESD safer and more effective, doctors inject fluid beneath the polyp, forming a ‘cushion’. This raises the polyp slightly, separating it from healthy tissue and making it easier to remove without cutting too deep,” he added.
“We attempted to combat these pertinent issues by developing a novel hydrogel platform that is economical, versatile, and non-toxic to humans,” said Harshil Dave, a PhD student and co-first author of the study.
The team created the hydrogel using diglycerolmonostearate (DGMS). “DGMSH’s ‘shear-thinning property allows it to flow easily under pressure and return to a gel-like state once the pressure is released, making it perfect for delicate endoscopic procedures,” added co-first author and PhD student Hitasha Vithalani.