Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges of postoperative tumor recurrence in cancer treatment and introduces an innovative strategy using engineered dying cancer cells in immunotherapeutic hydrogels to prevent recurrence [2][5][8]. Group 1: Postoperative Challenges - Surgical resection remains the primary treatment for solid tumors, but residual microscopic tumors at surgical margins often lead to recurrence, resulting in poor prognosis and lower overall survival rates [2][5]. - The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in treatment outcomes, and there is evidence that surgical procedures may inadvertently promote tumor spread and alter existing anti-tumor immunity [2][5]. Group 2: Innovative Research Findings - A recent study published in Cell Biomaterials presents a "cancer-treating-cancer" strategy that utilizes immunotherapeutic hydrogels to capture engineered dying cancer cells (DCC) to prevent cancer recurrence [3][5]. - The study demonstrates an in situ sprayable fibrin hydrogel system that combines chemically engineered DCC with the anti-cancer agent β-elemene (ELE) to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and inhibit local tumor recurrence [5][6]. Group 3: Mechanisms of Action - The hydrogel allows for sustained release of DCC and ELE, triggering immune activation through antigen release and immunogenic signals [6]. - β-elemene enhances cytotoxicity and promotes immunogenic cell death, leading to the induction of memory T cells for long-lasting anti-tumor protection [6][8].