Next-Generation Hydrogels Integrating Natural Antioxidants and Microbiome Modulators for Improved Cancer Management

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and current treatments are often limited by toxicity and resistance. Emerging research highlights the crucial roles played by gut microbiome dysbiosis and oxidative stress in cancer development and treatment response. Through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, natural antioxidants such as resveratrol, along with microbiome modulators like probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, offer promising therapeutic benefits. However, issues such as low bioavailability, instability, and challenges related to targeted delivery hinder the clinical translation of these bioactive compounds. Next-generation hydrogels have emerged as adaptable platforms capable of delivering and protecting these agents in a site-specific and controlled manner. This review summarizes the design and synthesis of multifunctional hydrogels incorporating natural antioxidants and microbiome modulators for cancer therapy.