Development of cytarabine-loaded pH-responsive polymeric hydrogel: an in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Key Points

• Cytarabine-loaded polymeric hydrogels enhance drug delivery effectiveness at varying pH levels, and exhibit promising biocompatibility.
• In vitro studies showed a 40% greater drug release in acidic conditions compared to neutral pH, underpinning targeted treatment strategies.
• The in vivo evaluation confirmed significant tumor reduction in subjects treated with the pH-responsive hydrogel, suggesting effective localized drug release.
• These findings imply a potential step forward in targeted cancer therapy, although further clinical validation is necessary.