Aptamer-guided nanomedicines for anticancer drug delivery
Walhan Alshaer1, Hervé Hillaireau2, Elias Fattal2
1Institut Galien Paris-Sud, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France; Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
Abstract:
Aptamers are versatile nucleic acid-based macromolecules characterized by their high affinity and specificity to a specific target. Taking advantage of such binding properties, several aptamers have been selected to bind tumor biomarkers and have been used as targeting ligands for the functionalization of nanomedicines. Different functionalization methods have been used to link aptamers to the surface drug nanocarriers. The pre-clinical data of such nanomedicines overall show an enhanced and selective delivery of therapeutic payloads to cancer cells, thereby accelerating steps towards more effective therapeutic systems. This review describes the current advances in the use of aptamers as targeting moieties for the delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents to tumors by conjugation to organic and inorganic nanocarriers.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Delivery: Overview
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions
Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...


