Hyaluronan-based Multifunctional Nano-carriers for Combination Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hyaluronan (HA) is a biocompatible polysaccharide with high hydrophilicity and low immunogenicity.
• HA's affinity for CD44 receptors, overexpressed on cancer cells, enables targeted drug delivery.
• Engineered HA nanoparticles (NPs) are promising for CD44-targeted anti-tumor therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in HA-based multidrug nanocarriers for combination cancer therapy.
• To highlight the advantages of HA as a matrix, drug carrier, and targeting ligand.
• To discuss challenges in the translational application of these nanocarriers.

Main Methods:

• Formulation strategies for HA-based multidrug nanocarriers, including co-conjugates, micelles, nano-gels, and hybrid NPs.
• Utilizing HA's properties for drug loading and CD44-mediated targeting.
• Reviewing literature on recent progress and applications.

Main Results:

• HA-based multidrug nanocarriers offer a simplified, biocompatible platform for targeted synergistic cancer therapy.
• These nanocarriers can combine different drugs, therapeutic modalities, or integrate therapy and diagnostics (theranostics).
• Various formulation strategies have been developed to create effective HA-based multidrug nanocarriers.

Conclusions:

• HA-based multidrug nanocarriers represent a highly effective strategy for combating cancers with CD44 overexpression.
• These nanocarriers exploit HA's properties for targeted delivery and combination therapy, enhancing treatment efficacy.
• Further research is needed to address challenges for successful clinical translation.