Recent advances in hydrogel-assisted treatment of malignant bone tumors.

Malignant bone tumors represent a significant risk to human health, manifesting in various forms such as persistent pain, bone defects, joint dysfunction, and other complications. These factors greatly influence the prognosis and life quality of patients. Traditional tumor therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have demonstrated effectiveness in eliminating tumor cells. However, the recurrence of tumors and bone defects caused by tumors continue to present challenges for clinicians. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative approaches to address these difficulties. Hydrogels are a class of promising materials with properties close to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and potential for diverse biofunctionalization. With the constant study and development of oncology and regeneration medicine, hydrogels and their composites are developing as novel implants for specialized antitumor and osteogenic treatment. This review aims to present the latest advances in the fabrication of advanced hydrogels with diverse characteristics, as well as their biological mechanisms for the treatment of malignant bone tumors, which includes both the eradication of tumor cells and the promotion of bone regeneration. Additionally, by reviewing the advancements of hydrogel-assisted treatment along with their shortcomings, a perspective will be provided.