The applications of hydrogels have expanded significantly due to their versatile, highly tunable properties and breakthroughs in biomaterial technologies. In this review, we cover the major achievements and the potential of hydrogels in therapeutic applications, focusing primarily on two areas: emerging cell-based therapies and promising non-cell therapeutic modalities. Within the context of cell therapy, we discuss the capacity of hydrogels to overcome the existing translational challenges faced by mainstream cell therapy paradigms, provide a detailed discussion on the advantages and principal design considerations of hydrogels for boosting the efficacy of cell therapy, as well as list specific examples of their applications in different disease scenarios. We then explore the potential of hydrogels in drug delivery, physical intervention therapies, and other non-cell therapeutic areas (e.g., bioadhesives, artificial tissues, and biosensors), emphasizing their utility beyond mere delivery vehicles. Additionally, we complement our discussion on the latest progress and challenges in the clinical application of hydrogels and outline future research directions, particularly in terms of integration with advanced biomanufacturing technologies. This review aims to present a comprehensive view and critical insights into the design and selection of hydrogels for both cell therapy and non-cell therapies, tailored to meet the therapeutic requirements of diverse diseases and situations.

Background: Primary liver cancer, of which around 75–85% is hepatocellular carcinoma in China, is the fourth most common malignancy and the second leading cause of tumor-related death, thereby posing a significant threat to the life and health of the Chinese people. Summary: Since the publication of Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer in China in June 2017, which were updated by the National Health Commission in December 2019, additional high-quality evidence has emerged from researchers worldwide regarding the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of liver cancer, that requires the guidelines to be updated again. The new edition (2022 Edition) was written by more than 100 experts in the field of liver cancer in China, which not only reflects the real-world situation in China but also may reshape the nationwide diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. Key Messages: The new guideline aims to encourage the implementation of evidence-based practice and improve the national average 5-year survival rate for patients with liver cancer, as proposed in the “Health China 2030 Blueprint.”

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitor (TACE-L-P) versus TACE combined with lenvatinib (TACE-L) for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and Methods: Data of advanced HCC patients treated with TACE-L-P (TACE-L-P group) or TACE-L (TACE-L group) from January 2019 to December 2020 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. The differences in overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), tumor responses (based on modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) and adverse events (AEs) were compared between the two groups. Potential factors affecting OS and PFS were determined.Results: A total of 81 patients were included in this study. Among them, 41 received TACE-L-P and 40 received TACE-L. The patients in TACE-L-P group had prolonged OS (median, 16.9 vs. 12.1 months, P=0.009), longer PFS (median, 7.3 vs. 4.0 months, P=0.002) and higher objective response rate (56.1% vs. 32.5%, P=0.033) and disease control rate (85.4% vs. 62.5%, P=0.019) than those in TACE-L group. Multivariate analyses revealed that the treatment option of TACE-L, main portal vein invasion and extrahepatic metastasis were the independent risk factors for OS, while TACE-L and extrahepatic metastasis were the independent risk factors for PFS. In subgroup analyses, a superior survival benefit was achieved with TACE-L-P in patients with extrahepatic metastasis or tumor number >3 but not in those with main portal vein invasion. The incidence and severity of AEs in TACE-L-P group were comparable to those in TACE-L group (any grade, 92.7% vs. 95.0%, P=1.000; grade 3, 36.6% vs. 32.5%, P=0.699).Conclusion: TACE-L-P significantly improved survival over TACE-L with an acceptable safety profile in advanced HCC patients, especially those with extrahepatic metastasis or tumor number >3 but without main portal vein invasion.

Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is very common and it plays a major role in the prognosis and clinical staging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have published the first version of the guideline in 2016 and revised in 2018. Over the past several years, many new evidences for the treatment of PVTT become available, especially for the advent of new targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors which have further improved the prognosis of PVTT. So, the Chinese Association of Liver Cancer and Chinese Medical Doctor Association revised the 2018 version of the guideline to adapt to the development of PVTT treatment. Future treatment strategies for HCC with PVTT in China would depend on new evidences from more future clinical trials.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma, which accounts for approximately 75-85% of primary liver cancers, ranks 4th in newly diagnosed cases among various types of cancer in China. and is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related mortality, thereby posing a significant threat to the life and health of the Chinese population. Summary: Since the publication of the “Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer in China” in June 2017, which were updated by the China’s National Health Commission in December 2019 and December 2021, additional high-quality evidence from researchers worldwide regarding the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of liver cancer has emerged, necessitating another update to the guidelines. The new edition (2024 Edition) was written by more than 120 multidisciplinary experts in the field of liver cancer in China, which not only reflects the real-world situation in China but also may reshape the nationwide diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. Key Messages: The new guideline aims to encourage the implementation of evidence-based practice and improve the national average 5-year survival rate for patients with liver cancer, as proposed in the “Healthy China 2030: A Vision for Health Care”.