Peptide-Based Cancer-Targeted DDS and Molecular Imaging.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Targeting cancer cell-surface receptors is a key strategy for cancer treatment and diagnosis.
• Peptide ligands offer advantages like high binding affinity, simple structure, low immunogenicity, and cost-effective synthesis.
• Peptide ligands are increasingly conjugated to nanoparticles for enhanced drug delivery and molecular imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of peptide-modified nanoparticles in cancer-targeted therapy and molecular imaging.
• To highlight peptide ligands targeting specific cancer cell-surface receptors.
• To discuss strategies for improving nanoparticle efficacy, such as enhancing binding affinity and endosomal escape.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on peptide-modified nanoparticles for cancer applications.
• Focus on peptide ligands for receptors like somatostatin receptors, integrin, transferrin receptor, and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2).
• Discussion of methods to improve nanoparticle performance, including spacer peptides and stimuli-responsive systems.

Main Results:

• Peptide-modified nanoparticles, particularly PEGylated liposomes, show effectiveness in targeted cancer therapy and cell-specific imaging.
• Various peptide ligands have been developed and applied to nanoparticles carrying drugs, genes, siRNAs, and imaging agents.
• Strategies involving spacer peptides and stimuli can enhance binding affinity and facilitate endosomal escape.

Conclusions:

• Peptide-modified nanoparticles represent a promising platform for advanced cancer treatment and diagnostics.
• Further research into optimizing peptide ligands and nanoparticle systems can lead to improved therapeutic outcomes and imaging capabilities.
• The integration of peptide targeting with nanoparticle delivery systems holds significant potential for personalized cancer medicine.