Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026
Author Spotlight: Innovative Cancer Therapies with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Glioblastoma Treatment
Published on: September 27, 2024
Targeted brain delivery nanoparticles for malignant gliomas
Mauricio P Pinto1, Maximiliano Arce2,3, Basit Yameen4,5
1Laboratory of Immunology of Reproduction, Faculty of Chemistry & Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, 9170022 Santiago, Chile.
Abstract:
Brain tumors display the highest mortality rates of all childhood cancers, and over the last decade its prevalence has steadily increased in elderly. To date, effective treatments for brain tumors and particularly for malignant gliomas remain a challenge mainly due to the low permeability and high selectivity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to conventional anticancer drugs. In recent years, the elucidation of the cellular mechanisms involved in the transport of substances into the brain has boosted the development of therapeutic-targeted nanoparticles (NPs) with the ability to cross the BBB. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the available therapeutic strategies developed against malignant gliomas based on 'actively targeted' NPs, the challenges of crossing the BBB and blood-brain tumor barrier as well as its mechanisms and a critical assessment of clinical studies that have used targeted NPs for the treatment of malignant gliomas. Finally, we discuss the potential of actively targeted NP-based strategies in clinical settings, its possible side effects and future directions for therapeutic applications. First draft submitted: 4 October 2016; Accepted for publication: 14 October 2016; Published online: 23 November 2016.
Insights
Targeted nanoparticles offer new hope for treating malignant gliomas, overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) challenges that limit conventional therapies for brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with high mortality rates.
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts drug delivery, hindering effective treatment.
- Nanoparticle (NP) technology shows promise for overcoming BBB limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review therapeutic strategies for malignant gliomas using actively targeted nanoparticles (NPs).
- To analyze the challenges and mechanisms of crossing the BBB and blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB).
- To critically assess clinical studies involving targeted NPs for glioma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of targeted NP strategies for malignant gliomas.
- Analysis of BBB and BBTB transport mechanisms.
- Critical evaluation of clinical trial data for targeted NP therapies.
Main Results:
- Actively targeted NPs demonstrate potential for enhanced drug delivery across the BBB.
- Understanding NP-brain transport mechanisms is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
- Clinical studies show promise but require further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Actively targeted NPs represent a promising therapeutic avenue for malignant gliomas.
- Further research is needed to optimize NP design and clinical application.
- Potential side effects and future directions for NP-based brain tumor therapy were discussed.
