From Bench to Bedside – OncoGel™, an In Situ Hydrogel for In Vivo Applications

Localized drug delivery to a tumor site can be an effective treatment regime by increasing local control and decreasing the metastatic potential of the tumor. Utilizing the reverse thermal gelation properties of a class of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers called ReGel™ copolymers and combining this soft material with a therapeutic agent like Paclitaxel has provided the new drug delivery system OncoGel™. This chapter summarizes the development of this controlled release formulation, including efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics studies in animal models and early results from clinical trials. The possibility of using OncoGel™ as a monotherapy for cancer treatment and in combination with other treatment regimes such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is evaluated.