Molecular targeting of drug delivery systems to cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Anticancer drug delivery systems (DDS) are crucial for effective cancer treatment.
• Traditional chemotherapy faces challenges like systemic toxicity and multidrug resistance.
• Molecular targeting offers a strategy to enhance drug efficacy and reduce side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current molecular targeting approaches in anticancer DDS.
• To identify novel developments and a new proapoptotic DDS.
• To evaluate the potential of advanced DDS in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of molecular targeting strategies in DDS.
• Analysis of passive targeting (e.g., enhanced permeability and retention effect).
• Examination of active targeting methods (organelles, cells, molecules) and novel approaches.

Main Results:

• Various targeting strategies discussed, including passive, active, and stimuli-responsive approaches.
• A novel proapoptotic DDS is presented, utilizing multiple molecular targets.
• Experimental data indicate this DDS can induce apoptosis, minimize healthy tissue damage, overcome multidrug resistance, and inhibit antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Molecular targeting significantly enhances the precision and efficacy of anticancer DDS.
• The novel proapoptotic DDS demonstrates multi-pronged therapeutic potential.
• Advanced DDS hold promise for improved cancer treatment outcomes with reduced toxicity.