A Hollow-Tube-Like Hydrospongel for Magnetothermal-Chemo-Chemodynamic Therapies in Advanced Colorectal Cancer Patients

Abstract In advanced-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) treatments, preserving anal function presents significant challenges. This study introduces a novel hollow-tube-like hydrospongel (HTHSG), offering a groundbreaking approach to neoadjuvant therapy. Constructed from cellulose nanofibers crosslinked with Fe3O4@PDA nanoparticles, the HTHSG combines the rapid swelling characteristics of sponges (~ 10 seconds) with the robust fracture strength of hydrogels (> 250 kPa). Its unique design ensures stability and location retention during simulated bowel movements, facilitating precise, localized delivery of the chemotherapeutic agent 5-FU directly to the tumor site. Beyond conventional chemotherapy, the HTHSG leverages electromagnetic induction for targeted thermal ablation and chemodynamic therapy, significantly minimizing the collateral damage to healthy tissues typically associated with Fe-mediated Fenton reactions. Comparative analyses using cell-derived and patient-derived xenograft models highlight the HTHSG's superior efficacy in tumor reduction based on traditional neoadjuvant therapies. These findings suggest the HTHSG's potential to redefine standard pre-surgical treatment regimens for advanced-stage CRC patients, marking a significant advancement over existing chemotherapy approaches.