Innovative Hyaluronic Acid Microgels Transform Keloid Radiotherapy Approach

Advances in Keloid Treatment Through Innovative Microgel Technology

Pusan National University, based in South Korea, is making strides in the treatment of keloid scars through the development of a groundbreaking injectable system. This approach utilizes biodegradable hyaluronic acid microgels designed specifically for localized brachytherapy, aiming to enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing invasiveness.

Keloids, characterized by an excessive growth of collagen and abnormal fibroproliferative scar tissue, pose challenges not only due to their unsightly appearance but also because of associated discomfort such as itching and tenderness. Traditional treatment methods—including surgery, corticosteroid injections, and radiotherapy—often fall short in precisely targeting these irregular lesions, sometimes resulting in recurrence.

To address these challenges, the research team, led by Professor Seung Yun Yang—who is also CEO of SNVIA Co., Ltd.—is exploring an approach that integrates rapid radiolabeling with localized delivery of radioactive iodine-131 (¹³¹I). By creating small reservoirs of radiation within the keloid tissue itself, this method aims not only to enhance the precision of treatment but also to mitigate potential damage to surrounding healthy areas.

In their study, published methodologies revealed the fabrication of uniform HA (hyaluronic acid) microgels through microfluidic technology and freeze-drying processes. These microgels are engineered to absorb radioactive solutions quickly, subsequently enabling effective radiolabeling. Remarkably, Professor Yang’s team has reported an efficiency exceeding 90% for the radiolabeling process, accomplishing this in less than ten minutes.

Efficacy and Safety in Experimental Models

The therapeutic potential of these microgels has been evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. In laboratory settings, the ¹³¹I-HA microgels notably induced over 80% keloid fibroblast apoptosis within 48 hours at doses higher than 10 MBq. Further evaluations involving mice implanted with patient-derived keloid tissue have demonstrated a significant reduction in keloid size—by approximately 70%—within just two weeks post-injection.

One of the standout features of this innovation is the localized retention of the microgels, which remain fully in place for up to 14 days post-injection, providing sustained treatment without the risk of off-target effects. Importantly, preliminary safety assessments indicated no adverse impacts on thyroid function, blood parameters, or vital organs, suggesting a favorable safety profile for future clinical applications.

Future Prospects and Adaptability

Professor Yang and his team envision this microbrachytherapy platform as a substantial improvement over traditional treatments, emphasizing that it could also be customized for individual patient lesions, promoting tailored therapeutic strategies. They speculate that this innovative delivery system may have potential applications in other localized tumors, although further studies would be necessary to determine its effectiveness across a broader spectrum of medical challenges.

The groundbreaking findings have established a promising preclinical foundation for microbrachytherapy targeting keloid scars, showcasing the potential to enhance patient outcomes in a minimally invasive context. With the ongoing development in this area, the medical community may soon witness the transformation of how keloid scars are treated, marking an encouraging step towards more effective dermatological care.

The study's overarching goal is to provide a clinical shift toward a more refined technique that can cater to specific needs of patients suffering from keloids while avoiding the challenges posed by conventional external beam radiation therapy.

Conclusion

As the research progresses, the findings are set to be published in Volume 398 of the Journal of Controlled Release, providing further insights into this innovative treatment pathway. With the potential to reshape the treatment landscape for keloids, Pusan National University’s research underscores the advancements in precision medicine and the future of scar treatment.

For more information, visit Pusan National University.