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From Composition to Cure: A Systems Engineering Approach to Anticancer Drug Carriers
Sarah R MacEwan1,2,3, Ashutosh Chilkoti1,2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, P.O. Box 90281, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|December 29, 2016
Summary
Developing novel drug delivery systems for cancer therapy is crucial. A systems engineering approach is needed to overcome challenges in drug carrier design and clinical translation for solid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Cancer's molecular complexity presents a significant challenge for developing cures.
- Current pharmaceutical efforts primarily focus on new drug development, neglecting drug delivery optimization.
- Systemic delivery of drug carriers to solid tumors faces pathophysiological barriers and translational hurdles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a systems engineering approach for designing optimized drug carriers.
- To address the challenges in drug delivery for solid tumors.
- To facilitate the translation of drug carriers from preclinical to clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- A systems engineering framework for rational drug carrier design.
- Analysis of pathophysiological barriers in solid tumor drug delivery.
- Evaluation of translational challenges from laboratory to patient.
Main Results:
- Identified key challenges in drug carrier delivery to solid tumors.
- Highlighted the need for a holistic approach to carrier design.
- Emphasized the importance of considering translational factors early in development.
Conclusions:
- A systems engineering approach is essential for overcoming drug delivery challenges in cancer therapy.
- Rational design of drug carriers can improve therapeutic efficacy for solid tumors.
- Bridging the gap between preclinical research and clinical application requires a focused strategy.
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