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Published on: February 9, 2019
Statins anticancer targeted delivery systems: re-purposing an old molecule
Sally Safwat1, Rania A Ishak1, Rania M Hathout1
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt.
Objectives:
Exploring the use of statins as anticancer agents and exploiting different drug delivery systems in targeting these molecules to cancerous sites. Literature review was performed to investigate the use of statins in cancer treatment in one hand, and the different pharmaceutical approaches to deliver and target these drugs to their site of action.
Key Findings:
Statins were used for decades as antihypercholestrolemic drugs but recently have been proven potential for broad anticancer activities. The incorporation of statins in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems not only augmented the cytotoxicity of statins but also overcame the resistance of cancerous cells against the traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Statins-loaded nanoparticles could be easily tampered to target the cancerous cells and consequently minimal drug amount could be utilized.
Summary:
This review reconnoitered the different endeavors to incorporate statins in various nanoparticles and summarized the successful effects in targeting cancerous cells and reducing their proliferation without the side effects of commonly used chemotherapeutic agents.
Insights
Statins show promise as anticancer agents. Encapsulating them in nanoparticles enhances their cancer-fighting ability and targets tumors effectively, reducing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Statins, traditionally used for high cholesterol, exhibit significant anticancer properties.
- Cancer cells often develop resistance to conventional chemotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anticancer potential of statins.
- To explore pharmaceutical strategies for targeted statin delivery in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on statins in cancer therapy.
- Investigation of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems for statins.
Main Results:
- Statins demonstrate broad-spectrum anticancer activities.
- Nanoparticulate statin delivery enhances cytotoxicity and overcomes drug resistance.
- Targeted nanoparticles allow for reduced drug dosage and improved efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Incorporating statins into nanoparticles is a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
- This approach effectively targets cancer cells, inhibits proliferation, and minimizes side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
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