Michigan State University (MSU) researcher Bryan Smith, associate professor from the College of Engineering and Institute for Qualitative Health Science and Engineering, has developed an innovative shampoo-like hydrogel that demonstrates significant potential for protecting cancer patients' hair during chemotherapy treatment, according to findings published in Biomaterials Advances.
Innovative Formula Design
The temperature-responsive hydrogel incorporates lidocaine and adrenalone as active compounds within a water-absorbing matrix. This formulation restricts blood flow to the scalp, preventing chemotherapeutic drugs from reaching hair follicles and causing follicle damage that leads to alopecia.
The gel's thermally-adaptive properties enable practical application: at body temperature (37°C), the formulation maintains viscosity and adheres to scalp tissue, while exposure to cooler temperatures reduces viscosity for easy removal.
Animal model studies have validated the gel's protective mechanism, demonstrating significant reduction in chemotherapy drug delivery to hair follicles through localized vasoconstriction.
Clinical Need and Current Solutions
Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is common among cancer patients, with limited therapeutic options currently available. Cold cap systems represent the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved intervention, though these devices present accessibility limitations due to cost and associated side effects.
Future Development
The research team is seeking federal and venture capital funding to advance the formulation through clinical trials and regulatory approval processes. All gel components reportedly use established, safety-validated materials, supporting potential translation to human applications.
This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in addressing quality-of-life concerns for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
