Hydrogel-Based Strategies for the Prevention and Treatment of Radiation-Induced Skin Injury: Progress and Mechanistic Insights

Radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) is one of the most common complications of radiotherapy, severely compromising patients' quality of life. However, no standardized treatment has yet been established. Owing to their high water content, three-dimensional porous structure, excellent biocompatibility, and tunable functionalization, hydrogels have emerged as promising candidates for both the prevention and treatment of RISI. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in hydrogel-based interventions for RISI, with particular focus on material classifications and underlying mechanisms. Mechanistically, hydrogels facilitate tissue repair through multiple synergistic pathways, including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Understanding these mechanisms not only provides a theoretical basis for the rational design of next-generation wound dressings but also enhances the translational potential of hydrogels in clinical radiotherapy. With the convergence of materials science, radiation medicine, and pharmaceutical innovation, hydrogels are poised to redefine therapeutic strategies for RISI and accelerate their clinical implementation.