Advanced localized gene transfection and drug delivery using an injectable in situ forming dextran-based hydrogel against breast cancer.

Although breast cancer mortality rates have declined, effective localized delivery systems to reduce post-surgical recurrence remains challenging. We developed an injectable in situ forming hybrid hydrogel incorporating liposomal combretastatin A4 (CA4) and plasmid green fluorescent protein (pGFP) lipoplexes for prolonged simultaneous drug and gene delivery to the tumor microenvironment. Cationic liposomes were synthesized using cholesterol/DOTAP (1:1 M ratio) and complexed with pGFP as the reporter gene.