Hydrogel Dermal Supports Healing of Complex Wounds After Cancer Surgery

Full-thickness skin defects following cancer excision challenge reconstructive teams because grafts and flaps can add donor-site morbidity and prolong recovery. These wounds are common on cosmetically and functionally critical areas such as the face and scalp, where durable coverage and aesthetics both matter. Surgeons also need solutions that fit within staged oncologic care without delaying adjuvant therapy. To meet these needs, investigators have evaluated a hydrogel-based dermal regeneration template designed to support rapid wound coverage after tumor removal.

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center (Philadelphia, PA, USA) assessed the DermiSphere Hydrogel Dermal Regeneration Template (Fesarius Therapeutics) in the largest published case series to date evaluating the hydrogel-based device. Published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—Global Open, the study examined whether the template could serve as a reliable bridge to definitive wound coverage while reducing the need for more extensive reconstructive procedures.

The DermiSphere template is a hydrogel-based scaffold that encourages the patient’s cells to regenerate healthy tissue. According to the report, the template developed a blood supply rapidly, enabling surgeons to proceed with coverage strategies without prolonged waiting periods. This approach contrasts with some existing dermal regenerative products that require weeks before reconstruction can be completed.

The case series included 10 patients with 13 wounds of the face, scalp, and extremities after skin cancer surgery, trauma, or donor-site reconstruction. Wounds healed after immediate skin grafting, delayed grafting, or, in select cases, without grafting. Healing and cosmetic outcomes were favorable, and no major complications were attributed to the template.

A novel application was also demonstrated for radial forearm free flap donor sites, which are often used in head and neck cancer reconstruction and are prone to tendon and nerve exposure. The template helped protect these structures while providing durable coverage. The authors emphasized that this was an early pilot study and called for larger studies with longer follow-up to compare the template with established approaches and define optimal patient selection.

“At Fox Chase, we’re focused on both discovery and delivery. Research drives innovation, and our responsibility is to bring promising advances to patients as quickly and thoughtfully as possible. While this technology doesn’t treat cancer itself, it has the potential to improve quality of life by helping us better manage the reconstructive challenges that can follow cancer treatment,” said Sameer A. Patel, M.D., FACS, chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Fox Chase.

Related Links
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Fesarius Therapeutic