Injectable Polydopamine Nanoparticle-Incorporated Hydrogels for Antiangiogenesis and Stimulating Tumoricidal Immunity to Inhibit Metastasis and Recurrence Postresection

Surgical resection is still the main means for clinical treatments of breast cancer, but the postoperative immunosuppressive microenvironment and neoangiogenesis of the residual tumors easily lead to tumor metastasis and recurrence, which will further endanger patients’ lives. The combination of antiangiogenic therapy and immunotherapy may promote the mutually reinforced cycle of immune reprogramming and vascular normalization to avoid tumor metastasis and recurrence. Herein, we prepared polydopamine nanoparticles for improving tissue adhesion and enriching tumor-associated antigens. This nanoregulator together with regorafenib (REG) was further incorporated into a hydrogel developed from grafting adipic acid dihydrazide onto 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical oxidized chitin and oxidized hyaluronic acid, which was injectable at the cavity after subcutaneous tumor surgery with good mechanical properties and degradability. The system showed long-term release of REG. After combining with anti-PD-L1, the hydrogel applied to the surgical wound exhibited a reduction in tumor metastasis and recurrence. This effect was achieved by suppressing angiogenesis and enhancing antitumor immunity, characterized by increased levels of effector T lymphocytes and activation of dendritic cells within tumors, spleens, and draining lymph nodes. The injectable hydrogel offers a promising strategy for postoperative management aimed at preventing tumor metastasis and recurrence.