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Exploring Therapeutic Advancement and Strategies Associated with Drug Delivery in Brain-Tumor Targeting
Bjorn John Stephen1, Madan Mohan Sharma1, Devendra Jain2
1Department of Biosciences, Manipal University Jaipur, Dehmi Kalan, Near JVK Toll Plaza, Jaipur-Ajmer Expressway, Jaipur-303007, Rajasthan, India.
Abstract:
Brain tumors pose a serious burden to health care because the cancers are usually incurable, despite advancements in treatment strategies including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Most studies report that specific drugs are effective in vitro, but many lose their therapeutic value in clinical settings. Maintaining therapeutic drug concentrations as an agent reaches a cancer target is the efficacy prerequisite for any form of treatment. However, in the case of brain tumors, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts to physically and physiologically block the drug, which complicates treatment options. In addition, strategies are limited by a number of factors such as difficulties that are associated with targeting tumor cells. The therapeutic potential of targeted drug delivery as an alternative to current strategies is gaining significant ground, with many studies highlighting its efficacy and compatibility in overcoming the BBB before reaching its final target in brain. In this review, we briefly describe basic physiology associated with the BBB and how modern science is taking advantage of physiological processes to deliver anticancer agents to brain. We also summarize different modes of drug delivery and highlight how nanoparticles as drug-delivery vehicles are used for drug transport in brain tumors as well as different types of surface modification that are used to increase target potential.
Insights
Targeted drug delivery overcomes the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to treat brain tumors effectively. Nanoparticles enhance drug transport, improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Brain tumors are challenging to treat due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) hindering drug efficacy.
- Current treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have limitations in reaching therapeutic concentrations at the tumor site.
- Effective brain tumor treatment requires overcoming the BBB and targeting cancer cells specifically.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological aspects of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
- To explore how modern science leverages physiological processes for anticancer agent delivery to the brain.
- To summarize drug delivery methods, focusing on nanoparticles for brain tumor treatment and surface modifications for enhanced targeting.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on blood-brain barrier (BBB) physiology.
- Analysis of drug delivery strategies for brain tumors.
- Examination of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and surface modification techniques.
Main Results:
- The BBB presents a significant obstacle to drug delivery in brain tumors.
- Targeted drug delivery strategies show promise in overcoming the BBB.
- Nanoparticles are effective drug carriers for brain tumors, with surface modifications improving targeting.
Conclusions:
- Targeted drug delivery is a promising approach for treating brain tumors.
- Nanoparticles offer a viable solution for drug transport across the BBB.
- Further research into nanoparticle surface modifications can optimize brain tumor therapy.
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