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Published on: February 9, 2019
Folate-conjugated nanovehicles: Strategies for cancer therapy
Batoul Farran1, Raquel Carvalho Montenegro2, Prameswari Kasa3
1Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
Abstract:
Cancer theranostics represents a strategy that aims at combining diagnosis with therapy through the simultaneous imaging and targeted delivery of therapeutics to cancer cells. Recently, the folate receptor alpha has emerged as an attractive theranostic target due to its overexpression in multiple solid tumors and its great functional versatility. In fact, it can be incorporated into folate-conjugated nano-systems for imaging and drug delivery. Hence, it can be used along the line of personalized clinical strategies as both an imaging tool and a delivery method ensuring the selective transport of treatments to tumor cells, thus highlighting its theranostic qualities. In this review, we will explore these theranostic characteristics in detail and assess their clinical potential. We will also discuss the technological advances that have allowed the design of sophisticated folate-based nanocarriers harboring various chemical properties and suited for the transport of various therapeutic agents.
Insights
Cancer theranostics uses folate receptor alpha for targeted imaging and therapy. Folate-conjugated nanocarriers offer personalized treatment strategies for solid tumors, enhancing drug delivery and clinical potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Cancer theranostics integrates diagnosis and therapy for improved treatment outcomes.
- Folate receptor alpha (FRα) is overexpressed in various solid tumors, making it a promising theranostic target.
- FRα's functional versatility allows for targeted drug delivery and imaging applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the theranostic characteristics of folate receptor alpha.
- To assess the clinical potential of FRα-targeted theranostics.
- To discuss technological advances in folate-based nanocarrier design for cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on cancer theranostics and folate receptor alpha.
- Analysis of nanocarrier systems conjugated with folate for targeted delivery.
- Exploration of imaging and therapeutic agent incorporation into nanocarriers.
Main Results:
- Folate receptor alpha enables simultaneous cancer imaging and targeted therapeutic delivery.
- Folate-conjugated nanocarriers facilitate personalized medicine strategies.
- Advanced nanocarrier designs enhance the selective transport of treatments to tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- Folate receptor alpha holds significant theranostic potential in oncology.
- Folate-based nanomedicine offers a promising avenue for targeted cancer treatment.
- Continued technological development is crucial for realizing the clinical utility of FRα theranostics.
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