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Prodrug-based intracellular delivery of anticancer agents

L Bildstein1, C Dubernet, P Couvreur

  • 1UMR CNRS 8612, IFR 141-ITFM, Faculté de Pharmacie, University Paris-Sud, Châtenay-Malabry 92296, France.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|January 18, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Anticancer prodrugs utilize altered cell uptake and intracellular release for enhanced drug delivery. This review highlights design strategies for efficient delivery of polymer, protein, and lipid-based prodrugs.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Prodrugs are widely used anticancer agents.
  • Existing reviews lack focus on cellular uptake and intracellular release mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review anticancer prodrugs focusing on cellular uptake and intracellular drug release.
  • To highlight prodrug design for efficient intracellular drug delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on parenterally administered anticancer prodrugs.
  • Analysis of prodrugs based on synthetic polymers, proteins, and lipids.
  • Discussion of chemical basis, uptake, activation, and clinical results.

Main Results:

  • Prodrug conjugation alters cell uptake pathways.
  • Intracellular drug release mechanisms are crucial for efficacy.
  • Design considerations impact intracellular drug delivery efficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Prodrug design is key for effective anticancer therapy.
  • Understanding cellular interactions enhances prodrug development.
  • Targeting strategies and stimuli-responsive systems show promise.

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