Investigation on the heating effects of intra-tumoral injectable magnetic hydrogels (IT-MG) for cancer hyperthermia

Capacitive-based radiofrequency (Rf) radiation at 27 MHz offers a non-invasive approach for inducing hyperthermia, making it a promising technique for thermal cancer therapy applications. To achieve focused and site-specific hyperthermia, Rf-responsive materials is required to convert Rf radiation into localized heat efficiently. Nanoparticles capable of absorbing Rf energy and convert into heat for targeted ablation are of critical importance. In this study, we developed and evaluated an Intra-tumoral injectable magnetic hydrogel (IT-MG) composed of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) impregnated in low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid (HA) forming HA-SPIONs. Our systematic investigation revealed that HA-SPIONs exposed to Rf radiation significantly increased temperature, reaching up to 50 °C. Further testing in tissue-mimicking phantom models also showed consistent heating, with temperatures stabilizing at 43 °C, ideal for localized hyperthermia. The ability of HA-SPIONs to act as an effective localized heating agent when exposed to 27 MHz Rf radiation, reaching apoptosis-inducing temperature, has not been previously reported. In conclusion, synergistic effects of IT-MG in both<i>in-vitro</i>and tumor-mimicking phantom models demonstrate improved and localized hyperthermia, facilitating adjuvant cancer treatment.