Recent advances in co-delivery nanosystems for synergistic action in cancer treatment
Bruna G Carvalho1, Franciele F Vit1, Hernandes F Carvalho2
1Department of Materials and Bioprocesses Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil. ltorre@unicamp.br.
Abstract:
Nanocarrier delivery systems have been widely studied to carry unique or dual chemical drugs. The major challenge of chemotherapies is to overcome the multidrug-resistance (MDR) of cells to antineoplastic medicines. In this context, nano-scale technology has allowed researchers to develop biocompatible nano-delivery systems to overcome the limitation of chemical agents. The development of nano-vehicles may also be directed to co-deliver different agents such as drugs and genetic materials. The delivery of nucleic acids targeting specific cells is based on gene therapy principles to replace the defective gene, correct genome errors or knock-down a particular gene. Co-delivery systems are attractive strategies due to the possibility of achieving synergistic therapeutic effects, which are more effective in overcoming the MDR of cancer cells. These combined therapies can provide better outcomes than separate delivery approaches carrying either siRNA, miRNA, pDNA, or drugs. This article reviews the main design features that need to be associated with nano-vehicles to co-deliver drugs, genes, and gene-drug combinations with efficacy. The advantages and disadvantages of co-administration approaches are also overviewed and compared with individual nanocarrier systems. Herein, future trends and perspectives in designing novel nano-scale platforms to co-deliver therapeutic agents are also discussed.
Insights
Nanocarrier systems co-deliver drugs and genetic materials to overcome cancer multidrug resistance (MDR). These combined therapies offer synergistic effects for improved treatment outcomes compared to single-agent approaches.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer limits chemotherapy efficacy.
- Nanocarrier systems offer biocompatible solutions to overcome limitations of traditional chemotherapeutics.
- Co-delivery of drugs and genetic materials via nanocarriers is a promising strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review design features of nanocarriers for co-delivering drugs and genes.
- To evaluate the efficacy of combined gene-drug therapies against MDR cancer cells.
- To compare co-administration strategies with individual nanocarrier systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on nanocarrier design for co-delivery.
- Analysis of synergistic therapeutic effects of combined agents (siRNA, miRNA, pDNA, drugs).
- Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of co-administration versus single-agent delivery.
Main Results:
- Nanocarriers can be engineered to co-deliver drugs and genetic materials effectively.
- Co-delivery systems demonstrate synergistic therapeutic effects, crucial for overcoming MDR.
- Combined therapies show potential for superior outcomes compared to individual delivery methods.
Conclusions:
- Nanocarrier-based co-delivery platforms are vital for advancing cancer chemotherapy.
- Optimized design of nano-vehicles is key to achieving efficacy in combined drug and gene therapies.
- Future research should focus on novel nano-scale platforms for enhanced therapeutic agent co-delivery.
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