Cyclodextrin-based delivery systems for in vivo-tested anticancer therapies

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cyclodextrins (CDs) are natural macromolecules extensively utilized as pharmaceutical excipients.
• Their molecular cage structure enables the encapsulation of guest molecules, enhancing drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability.
• This is particularly beneficial for poorly soluble and permeable anticancer drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of *in vivo*-tested cyclodextrin (CD) and CD-based delivery systems for anticancer therapy.
• To explore the multivalent functionalities of CD-based systems for improved cancer treatment.
• To highlight the potential of CD-based nanosystems in addressing unmet needs in cancer therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Review of *in vivo* studies on CD and CD-based delivery systems for anticancer agents.
• Analysis of strategies for developing advanced and multifunctional CD-based delivery systems.
• Examination of guest-host inclusion complex formation for drug delivery.

Main Results:

• CDs and CD-based nanosystems have demonstrated significant potential in improving the delivery of anticancer drugs like paclitaxel, curcumin, camptothecin, doxorubicin, and cisplatin.
• Guest-host inclusion complexes formed with CDs offer advantages in enhancing drug characteristics and reducing toxic side effects.
• Multifunctional CD-based systems incorporating targeting ligands, stimuli-responsive elements, and surface modifications show promise for advanced *in vivo* anticancer therapies.

Conclusions:

• CDs are versatile excipients for developing effective anticancer drug delivery systems.
• The combination of CDs with other technologies leads to advanced, multifunctional nanosystems for improved cancer treatment.
• CD-based delivery systems represent a promising strategy to overcome challenges in current cancer therapeutics.