Rising horizon in circumventing multidrug resistance in chemotherapy with nanotechnology

Hira Choudhury1, Manisha Pandey1, Tan Hui Yin2

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Jalan Jalil Perkasa, Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Centre for Bioactive Molecules and Drug Delivery, Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Insights

Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer hinders chemotherapy. Nanotechnology offers solutions by improving drug delivery and targeting, overcoming resistance for effective cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nanomedicine
  • Drug Delivery

Background:

  • Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major challenge in cancer chemotherapy, leading to treatment failure.
  • MDR arises from genetic and epigenetic alterations causing drug resistivity and impaired drug delivery to tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review strategies for overcoming MDR in cancer cells.
  • To explore nanocarrier-based approaches for effective chemotherapy delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing nanotechnology-based nanocarriers for drug encapsulation and delivery.
  • Incorporating P-gp inhibitors to combat MDR.
  • Developing stimuli-sensitive nanocarriers for targeted drug release.

Main Results:

  • Nanocarriers enhance solubility, bioavailability, and drug targeting to the tumor microenvironment.
  • Co-administration with P-gp inhibitors effectively combats MDR.
  • Stimuli-sensitive nanocarriers enable targeted drug release, reducing toxicity to normal cells.

Conclusions:

  • Nanotechnology-based nanocarriers represent a promising strategy to circumvent MDR in cancer.
  • Targeted delivery and stimuli-responsive systems are key to improving chemotherapy efficacy and reducing side effects.

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