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Developments in drug delivery: implications for cancer care

Martin Tattersall1, Stephen Clarke

  • 1University of Sydney, Blackburn Building D06, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. mtatt@med.usyd.edu.au

Current Opinion in Oncology
|July 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Recent advancements in drug delivery and development have transformed cancer care. Innovations include modified-release drugs, novel delivery routes, and targeted therapies enhancing anti-tumor selectivity.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Cancer care has been significantly influenced by drug delivery and development over the last two decades.
  • Modified-release drugs and new drug delivery routes are now integral to standard cancer treatment protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of drug delivery and development on cancer care.
  • To highlight strategies for enhancing anti-tumor drug selectivity.
  • To discuss the role of fixed drug combinations in cancer supportive care.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent advancements in drug delivery and formulation.
  • Analysis of strategies for targeted drug delivery to tumors (e.g., antibodies, liposomes, homing molecules).
  • Examination of the application of fixed drug combinations in supportive cancer care.

Main Results:

  • Modified-release formulations and novel delivery routes are established in cancer therapy.
  • Targeting strategies using antibodies, liposomes, and tumor-activated carriers improve drug selectivity.
  • Fixed drug combinations show promise in supportive cancer care settings.

Conclusions:

  • Drug delivery innovations and new drug development continue to reshape cancer treatment paradigms.
  • Targeted delivery systems offer enhanced anti-tumor efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity.
  • Fixed drug combinations represent a valuable approach for managing cancer and its associated symptoms.

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