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Published on: February 19, 2016
Organic nanocarriers for cancer drug delivery
Víctor López-Dávila1, Alexander M Seifalian, Marilena Loizidou
1UCL Centre for Nanotechnolology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.
Abstract:
A major focus in translational cancer research is the study of nanocarriers as novel delivery systems for chemotherapeutics. Organic vesicular nanocarriers, such as liposomes and micelles, have the advantage of low toxicity and the versatility to carry diverse drugs and conjugate to targeting agents. This offers the potential for combining treatment and diagnosis (theranostics). Successful incorporation into these nanoformulations has been demonstrated for classical chemotherapeutic drugs that are mostly hydrophobic, small interfering RNA, biological therapeutics and specific nanoparticles, such as superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Liposomes and micelles appear to take advantage of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in solid tumours to increase accumulation at the target site (passive targeting). This translates to the clinic, where liposomal drug formulations are reported to exhibit higher efficacy and less side effects. Multidrug formulations and combinations with other treatments, for example, radiation or radiofrequency ablation, to trigger drug release from the nanocarrier at the target site, are mostly at the pre-clinical stage. More complex formulations that incorporate treatment agents together with targeting (active targeting) and imaging molecules have also been investigated in in vivo models with encouraging results.
Insights
Organic nanocarriers like liposomes and micelles show promise for targeted cancer therapy, improving drug delivery and reducing side effects. Research explores their potential for theranostics and combination treatments.
Area of Science:
- Translational cancer research
- Nanomedicine
- Drug delivery systems
Background:
- Organic nanocarriers (liposomes, micelles) offer low toxicity and versatility for drug delivery.
- They can carry chemotherapeutics, RNA, biologics, and nanoparticles.
- Potential for theranostics (treatment and diagnosis) through targeted delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of organic nanocarriers in cancer research.
- To highlight their role in improving chemotherapeutic delivery and efficacy.
- To discuss advancements in nanocarrier-based theranostics and combination therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on organic nanocarriers in cancer research.
- Analysis of nanocarrier properties, drug incorporation, and targeting strategies.
- Evaluation of passive (EPR effect) and active targeting mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Liposomes and micelles demonstrate enhanced drug accumulation in tumors via the EPR effect.
- Clinical use of liposomal formulations shows improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
- Pre-clinical studies show potential for multidrug and combination therapies, including theranostics.
Conclusions:
- Organic nanocarriers are effective delivery systems for cancer therapeutics.
- Targeted delivery via nanocarriers improves treatment outcomes and minimizes side effects.
- Future research focuses on complex formulations for advanced theranostics and combination treatments.
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